Bengaluru: Several train services operating to and from the city will undergo changes, including partial cancellations, change in origination points, diversion and regulation, owing to Non-Interlocking (NI) works being taken up by the South Western Railway, railway authorities announced on December 25.

Non-interlocking works to impact operations

The South Western Railway has planned Non-Interlocking works as part of infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety. As a result, multiple long-distance and intercity trains connecting Bengaluru with Kerala and coastal Karnataka will be temporarily affected in early January 2026. Passengers have been advised to check train schedules in advance and make alternate travel arrangements where necessary.

According to railway officials, the changes will come into effect from January 3 and January 4, 2026, and include partial cancellation of train services, short termination of trains, changes in originating stations, diversion of routes and regulation of certain services.

Partial cancellation of services

Several trains will be short-terminated, resulting in partial cancellation on specific sections.

Train No. 16319 Thiruvananthapuram North–SMVT Bengaluru Humsafar Bi-weekly Express, commencing its journey on January 3, 2026, will be short-terminated at Bengaluru Cantonment. Consequently, the service will remain partially cancelled between Baiyyappanahalli and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) Bengaluru.

Train No. 16512 Kannur–KSR Bengaluru Express, starting from Kannur on January 3, 2026, will be short-terminated at Yesvantpur Junction. The train will be partially cancelled between Yesvantpur Junction and KSR Bengaluru.

Train No. 16378 Ernakulam Junction–KSR Bengaluru Intercity Express, commencing its journey on January 3 and January 4, 2026, will be short-terminated at Baiyyappanahalli. The service will remain partially cancelled between Baiyyappanahalli and KSR Bengaluru.

Railway authorities stated that these measures are necessary to ensure smooth execution of the NI works without compromising passenger safety.

Change in origination of services

In addition to partial cancellations, some trains will originate from alternative stations instead of their usual terminals.

Train No. 16320 SMVT Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Humsafar Bi-weekly Express, scheduled to depart at 7 pm on January 4, 2026, will originate from Bengaluru Cantonment instead of SMVT Bengaluru. The train will be partially cancelled between SMVT Bengaluru and Baiyyappanahalli.

Train No. 16511 KSR Bengaluru–Kannur Express, commencing its journey on January 4, 2026, will originate from Yesvantpur Junction at 9.47 pm instead of KSR Bengaluru. The service will be partially cancelled between KSR Bengaluru and Yesvantpur Junction.

Train No. 16377 KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Junction Intercity Express, commencing its journey on January 4 and January 5, 2026, will originate from Bengaluru Cantonment at 6.20 am instead of KSR Bengaluru. The train will be partially cancelled between KSR Bengaluru and Bengaluru Cantonment.

Passengers boarding these trains have been advised to take note of the revised originating stations to avoid inconvenience.

Diversion of service

One train service will be diverted from its usual route during the NI work period.

Train No. 16565 Yesvantpur Junction–Mangaluru Central Weekly Express, commencing its journey on January 4, 2026, will be diverted to run via Lottegollahalli, Yelahanka Junction and Krishnarajapuram. As a result, the train will skip its scheduled stoppage at Banaswadi.

Railway officials said the diversion is temporary and has been planned to maintain connectivity while allowing uninterrupted execution of track-related works.

Regulation of service

Train No. 12683 Ernakulam Junction–SMVT Bengaluru Tri-weekly Superfast Express, commencing its journey on January 4, 2026, will be regulated by one hour en route. Passengers are advised to account for the delay while planning their onward connections.

Advisory to passengers

The South Western Railway has urged passengers to verify train timings, boarding stations and route details through official railway enquiry systems, including the IRCTC website and helpline numbers, before commencing their journey. Adequate public announcements and updates will be made at railway stations to assist passengers during the affected period.

Officials reiterated that while the temporary changes may cause inconvenience, the Non-Interlocking works are essential for long-term benefits, including improved punctuality, enhanced safety and better handling of increasing train traffic in and around Bengaluru.

Conclusion: With multiple train services affected due to Non-Interlocking works in early January 2026, passengers travelling to and from Bengaluru are advised to remain alert to schedule changes. The railway authorities have assured that the measures are temporary and aimed at strengthening rail infrastructure for smoother operations in the future.