Vishwamanava skips Ramagiri halt, passengers left in lurch

Chitradurga : Passengers travelling to Ramagiri in Holalkere taluk were left stranded after the Mysuru-Belagavi Vishwamanava Express skipped its scheduled halt at Ramagiri around 12.30pm on Thursday, prompting some passengers to reportedly pull the emergency chain to stop the train and alight.

Train 20675/20676 has a scheduled halt at Ramagiri. Passengers from Hubballi, Harihar, Davanagere and Chikkajajur who had booked tickets to Ramagiri said the train passed the station without stopping. Passengers alleged that railway authorities had issued no prior notice or information about cancellation of the halt.

Those who managed to get off questioned the station master, who reportedly told them that ticketing services at Ramagiri had been locked and the halt cancelled. Several passengers waiting at the station to board the train also returned disappointed. Ramagiri serves as a connectivity hub for around 40 to 45 villages, providing access to district centres in Davanagere, Chitradurga, Chikkamagaluru and Tumakuru.

The Vishwamanava Express and Hubballi-Bengaluru train 17391/17392 have been halting at Ramagiri for nearly three years. Residents said the halt of another train, referred to as a Mail train, was also scheduled to be withdrawn from Oct 15. Residents of Ramagiri and surrounding villages have decided to stage a rail blockade on Oct 11 to protest the withdrawal of train halts.

Chitradurga MP Govind M Karjol said rail connectivity was essential for historic Ramagiri. “I have instructed the Hubballi general manager and the railway secretary to provide the necessary information on the issue. I have also asked them to continue the halt for now, irrespective of the reason for its withdrawal.

I will obtain complete details and take the necessary steps,” he said.