Goods train derails near Bengaluru, daily commuters stuck for 5 hours

Bengaluru: Hundreds of daily commuters between Bengaluru and Mysuru were stranded for more than five hours after an empty goods train derailed near Bidadi, an industrial outback 35km from Bengaluru, forcing cancellation of several trains on Tuesday evening.The accident occurred between Ramanagara and Bidadi when the newly modified empty goods train went off the tracks around 5pm. While no human casualties were reported, the derailment brought rail traffic on the busy corridor to a halt, throwing travel plans into disarray for thousands who depend on Memu services along the route. Normal train services resumed by 10pm, according to South Western Railway. An inquiry into the cause of the derailment is under way.The disruption led to the cancellation of multiple passenger services, including trains 06526, 66553 and 66580. Train No. 06525 (Bengaluru–Ashokapuram) was force-terminated at Kengeri, while the KSR Bengaluru–Mysuru Express departed at 7.25pm, an hour behind schedule.Commuters most affected were those travelling to Channapatna, Maddur, and Mandya, which dot the Myuru route. Hundreds gathered at bus stops near Kengeri bus terminus, confused and anxious at once as they scrambled for alternative transport. Passengers said the disruption hit office-goers and students particularly hard. Many returning home after work or exams were forced to wait on roadsides with limited bus services available towards Mysuru. With no immediate options, several commuters were seen hitching a ride on private vehicles.Railway authorities managed to clear the derailed train from the track around 8.55pm. Tickets were refunded to passengers whose trains were short-terminated at Kengeri. Additional stops were added to the Chamundi Express to help regular commuters travelling towards Mysuru. Despite these measures, the sudden disruption underscored the heavy reliance on suburban rail services along the Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor.