Dharwad: In the South Western Railway, Dharwad Division, railway maintenance and infrastructure development works have affected services, leading to delays in many trains, including the Belagavi Express and Rani Chennamma Express.
Railway authorities have advised passengers to check the present train timings before leaving for railway stations and to be prepared for changes to the trains and temporary delays as the maintenance work is completed, they say.
Maintenance Work Underway
Dharwad Division’s scheduled maintenance works are being carried out to improve railway safety and operational efficiency. The work includes:
Replacement of old railway tracks. Ballast packing and track alignment. Upgradation of signalling systems. Maintenance of overhead electrical equipment. Inspection and strengthening of railway bridges. Other infrastructure improvement works.
For the safety of passengers as well as railway activities, temporary speed restrictions have been imposed on some areas of the railway to require trains to operate at reduced speeds.
Trains Affected
The following major trains have been delayed due to the ongoing maintenance:
Belagavi Express, Rani Chennamma Express
Railway officials have also said other passenger and express trains that run along the same corridor might have some delays or altered timetables.
Why is the maintenance necessary?
Railway track maintenance is a routine but essential component of railway operations. Regular inspections and repairs prevent accidents, enhance passenger safety, and allow for smoother train movement.
The work in Dharwad Division is aimed at enhancing the reliability of railway infrastructure by replacing worn-out tracks and improving signalling systems and the overall network.
Advisory for Passengers
Passengers travelling on the affected routes are advised to:
- Check the train running status before starting the journey.
- Arrive at the railway station after getting the new departure time set.
- Keep track of any changes made by Indian Railways to the schedule.
- Allow additional travel time in case of unexpected operational delays.
The South Western Railway has made it clear to passengers that maintenance work is being done as quickly as possible and that there is a focus on safety as well as rapid maintenance work.
The temporary inconvenience may affect short-term travel plans, but railway officials say that if they are able to make trains more reliable and safe, the improvements will lead to safer, faster, and more reliable trains in the future.
