I reproduce the article that was published in "The Hindu" today on Brindavan's legacy and is as follows:
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The Brindavan Express turned 50 on Wednesday. For decades, the train was the most viable option for speedy daytime travel between the two State capitals – Madras and Bangalore. When the service first started, it would take less than 8 hours to reach Bangalore from Madras, with Katpadi and Jollarpet being the only halts in between.
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1966, the Brindavan Express, which until then was powered by a steam engine, was fitted with a diesel one, reducing running time by a good hour. According to retired loco pilot P.R. Kasilingam, it was one of the fastest trains at the time. “When the engine was converted to diesel, the train would run with two locos, making it all the more faster,” he said. Moreover, the train was known for always being punctual. He said that people would set their watches by the timings of the Brindavan Express.
However, it was not simply those travelling exclusively to the two cities who benefited. According to a report published in The Hindu dated October 2 1964, it also provided a connection to Delhi-bound passengers from Bangalore, who could now save a whole night’s journey by making it in time to catch the Southern Express scheduled to leave Madras Central at 4 p.m.
Inaugurated half-a-century ago by H.D. Singh, general manager, Southern Railway, and Mr. V.K Sthanunathan, division superintendant, the train soon came to be known as the ‘Pride of the Southern Railway.’
By 1968, it was converted to a “corridor train” with buffet arrangements. On May 1 1969, the train was modernised with a new vestibuled rake. It boasted of two first class coaches, each having 44 revolving cushioned seats with adjustable footrests and 7 third class chair cars, proving to be hugely popular. Not only did the new arrangement allow for easier maintenance, but also facilitated the hassle-free service of coffee and snacks to commuters.
The 220-mile journey now took only 5 hours. Ramakrishna Naidu, a regular traveller on the train, recalls “When I was in college, I would leave Bangalore on Friday evening and reach Madras in time for dinner.”
Over the years, the train took more time, stopping at more stations en route. According to an official with Southern Railway, the first additional stop was Arakkonam. “Each station adds an extra seven to eight minutes to the travel time,” he added. “At one point, the train used to run at over 100 km per hour, but now the maximum speed is only around 65 kmph.”
Fifty years on, the train may have lost its novelty but continues to be fondly remembered.
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Courtesy: The Hindu dated October 2, 2014.