CHENNAI: In its 57th year, the Chennai-Bengaluru Brindavan Express, which has fallen out of vogue of late, is back in revival mode. It has got a new LHB rake with AC chair car and its pantry car is set to return after close to five years, moves that have earned cheers from rail fans and frequent travellers.
The once prestigious day train, named after the famous Brindavan Gardens of Mysuru, was a lifeline for those travelling interstate in the 1960s. With limited stops in its early days, it helped commuters from Bengaluru catch flights in Chennai as the Karnataka capital didn’t have enough domestic and international flights.
The train started off with steam locomotives in the early 60s, later switching to diesel and then becoming one of the first trains to have electric locomotives in 1992. “It was an unforgettable experience to drive the new loco which was replacing diesel locomotives. The train was popular and also considered a premium service,” R Subramanian, the loco pilot who operated the first electric loco from Bengaluru to Chennai, said.
Initially, the train had few stops — Katpadi, Ambur, Jolarpet, Bangarapet and Bengaluru City. But, fast growing neighbourhoods en route forced railways to add more stops in the following years.
Arun Pandian, a rail fan who has travelled on the Brindavan Express for around 25 years, said it was once considered one of the best interstate trains.
“It was a lifeline and served as a gateway to Bengaluru and Mysuru and areas in Mandya district. The service used to have a convenient departure time of 7.15am from Chennai,” he said. Now, the trains peparts at 7.50am.
Denzel Smith, a former assistant loco pilot in Arakkonam, recalled a time when all his colleagues would call the train ‘pachai vandi’, a reference to its unique green livery. There used to be a separate rule book to operate the train, he said, adding, “Only senior loco pilots would be posted to drive it.”
As the number of services increased, Brindavan Express slowly lost its sheen. Shatabdi Express, Lalbagh Express and finally the Double Decker robbed the limelight off the train which once boasted of revolving chairs and double deck coaches.
However, its importance has not diminished in the eyes of passengers, said Pandian. “People continue to look at the train with the same importance as in the early days though it had a low phase for a few years. Railways should change the departure to 7.15am,” he added.
