The incessant rains in coastal, and central Karnataka, as well as neighbouring Kerala, has hugely impacted rail connectivity, while landslides have blocked highways in several places.
As of Friday afternoon, the railway authorities announced cancellation/ partial cancellation of six trains from Bengaluru alone owing to landslides at multiple locations between Donegal and Shrivagilu (via Yedakumeri, Kodagarahalli) and sections of Sakleshpur – Subramanya Road in Ghat Section of Mysuru Division.a
KSR Bengaluru-Kannur/Karwar Express and Kannur/Karwar-KSR Bengaluru journey commencing on Friday is cancelled.
South Western Railway said that 16515 Yeshwantpur – Karwar Express has been partially cancelled between Hassan and Karwar for trains leaving from August 17,20 and 22.
Yeshwantpur- Mangalore Express has been partially cancelled between Hassan and Mangaluru for journeys on August 19 and 21 too.
Similarly, trains starting from the coast will only run till Hassan for Karwar–Yeshwantpur Express and Mangalore-Yesvantpur Express till August 22.
Dr SG Yatish, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, South Western Railway said that the trains were cancelled as fresh landslides were reported on August 15, and August 16 at many locations in the Ghat section while the trains starting from Majestic were cancelled due to heavy rain and landslides in Kerala state.
Bus services were also hit towards the coastal part of the state and towards Kerala. From Thursday all services from Bengaluru by KSRTC has stopped except towards Palakkad section. The Kerala SRTC has also stopped all operations from and towards Bengaluru on Friday.
Buses are operating only on Mangaluru- SK border -Karkala-Kudremukh-Kalasa- Kottigehara- Mudigere- Hassan- Bengaluru.
“Yesterday our official tried one Volvo bus in this route till Mudigere, so we are operating today one bus in the same route. From 9 August to 17 August a total of 8415 tickets were cancelled and the amount refunded to passengers is Rs 52,78,126,” Latha, PRO at KSRTC said.
However, the situation is likely to improve with the rains predicted to recede gradually in Kodagu and coastal region. Till August 20, moderate rainfalls are expected over the Malnad and coast with decreased intensity.