Devotees heading to the Kukke and Dharmasthala temples are encountering significant difficulties as a result of the closure of the train route caused by recent landslides in Karnataka. Persistent rains have led to widespread issues with hills and landslides, particularly affecting the train tracks at Edakumeri in Sakleshpur, Hassan. The situation has led to the suspension of train services, impacting nearly 14 trains that traverse this route.
The landslide at Edakumeri has not only disrupted the train schedule but has also had a cascading effect on travel options for those visiting these important religious sites. With the primary train service halted, many devotees are left with no choice but to rely on private buses to complete their journey.
The closure of the train route has led to an unexpected surge in private bus ticket prices. Previously, bus fares from Bengaluru to Mangaluru were in the range of Rs 500 to Rs 600. However, with the current surge in demand, these prices have now doubled, reaching Rs 1000 to Rs 1200. For air-conditioned (AC) buses, the fare has escalated dramatically from Rs 2000 to Rs 4000.
This hike in bus fares during an already challenging time has drawn criticism from the public. It is not an isolated incident; private bus operators have a history of increasing prices during festivals and extended holidays, exploiting adverse situations to their advantage. Despite continuous appeals from the public for government intervention, these pleas have so far been ignored.
In response to the ongoing situation, the railway department had initiated special trains to alleviate the travel issues caused by road disruptions. However, these efforts were thwarted by the landslide at Edakumeri. As a result, with train services still suspended, the only remaining option for travellers is the increasingly expensive bus services.
The challenges faced by devotees and other travellers highlight a critical need for better management and oversight of transportation services, particularly during emergencies. The inability to maintain reasonable pricing and the lack of alternative transport options further compound the difficulties experienced by the public.
This current crisis is part of a larger pattern where private transport operators capitalise on public hardships. The public’s frustration is palpable, with ongoing calls for regulatory measures to prevent such price gouging during crises. The lack of effective response from authorities has left many feeling abandoned and exploited.
Efforts by the railway department to mitigate the impact of road disruptions have been commendable but insufficient in this instance. The landslide at Edakumeri serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the transportation infrastructure, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall and landslides.
As the situation continues to evolve, there is a pressing need for both immediate relief and long-term solutions. For now, the government and transportation authorities must address the immediate travel needs of those affected by providing additional support and ensuring that pricing remains fair and justifiable. Long-term strategies should focus on improving infrastructure resilience and regulatory frameworks to protect consumers from unfair practices during emergencies.
In summary, the current transport disruptions and price hikes highlight significant challenges faced by devotees and travellers in Karnataka. Addressing these issues effectively requires a coordinated effort from both governmental and private sectors to ensure that such difficulties are managed with greater efficiency and fairness in the future.
