Source – https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/bengaluru-railways-to-introduce-nandi-hills-camping-and-toy-train-service-11945951.html
Publisher – Money Control
In what could perhaps be a first in the country, the Bengaluru division of South Western Railway is launching a camping and toy train service at the picturesque Nandi Hills railway station, located in the foothills of the famed tourist spot.
“As part of the rail museum plan, we are introducing a host of facilities, including tent camping, toy train, museum, rail coach-turned-restaurant, historical interpretation centre, courtyard, mini-waterfall area, sunset deck, cycling rental points, and an amphitheatre.” Kusuma Hariprasad, Additional Bengaluru Divisional Manager, told Moneycontrol.
“Tourists and trekkers can visit here, stay in camp tents, and explore the nearby areas. We are inviting private firms to develop it. Around 50 people will be able to camp here at a time,” said Hariprasad. South Western Railway will build a toy train similar to the one in Cubbon Park, she said.The project, spanning 15 acres, is progressing in two phases. “Restoration work at Nandi station and the construction of a rail museum are under progress. These are expected to be completed within six to seven months. The entire project is expected to be completed in one-and-a-half to two years. Several firms have already expressed interest, and we will soon begin the tendering process,” said Hariprasad.
Plans are also afoot to create an artificial water body. “Dakshina Pinakini river originates from Nandi Hills, and we are planning to build an artificial pond and also will provide a sunrise/sunset viewpoint. Gopinatha Betta (Gopi Hills) is also nearby, where tourists can go on a short trek for 10-15 minutes. There are also several vineyards nearby so visitors can opt for a wine tour during their stay here,” said Hariprasad.
Trains to Nandi Hills
The trains running between Bengaluru and Nandi Hills are: Train no. 06531/06532: Bengaluru Cantonment-Chikkaballapur- Cantonment, 06535/06538 Chikkaballapur-Bengaluru Cantonment-Chikkaballapur, 06587/06388: KSR Bengaluru City-Kolar-Bengaluru Cantonment, 06593/06594 Yeswantpur-Chikkaballapur- Yeswantpur, and 16549 KSR Bengaluru-Kolar.
However, these trains do not operate on Sundays, a day that sees the highest tourist traffic. The first train, 06531 Memu, departs from Bengaluru Cantonment at 5:10 am and arrives at Nandi Halt station at 6:37 am. However, passengers say they’ll still miss the glimpse of sunrise at Nandi Hills, with trains departing from KSR Bengaluru City/Bengaluru Cantonment at 4 am. The return train, 06594 Chikballapur-Yeswantpur from Nandi Halt, leaves at 1:11 pm. There are no trains that leave earlier.
There are currently no feeder buses from Nandi halt station to the top of Nandi hills, which is an additional distance of 15-18 km. South Western Railway has written to KSRTC, urging them to operate feeder services. Railway officials are also in talks with local auto and taxi operators to facilitate transportation for passengers between the halt station and the hilltop.
Heritage circuit
The Bengaluru division has identified several heritage railway stations, such as Doddajala, Devanahalli, Avatihalli, Nandi, Chikkaballapur, Chintamani, Kolar, Coromandel, Oorgaum, and BEML, for restoration on the century-old Bangalore-Chikkaballapur and Kolar-Jolarpet lines.
An art gallery is being planned in Doddajala, a silk museum in Avatihalli, and a library in Devanahalli, primarily for underprivileged students.
Other popular tourist attractions include Devanahalli Fort, Nandi Hills, Sri Bhoganandiswara Temple, Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple, and the 112-foot Adiyogi statue at Chikkaballapur.
Station restoration work
In the first phase, four stations—Doddajala, Devanahalli, Avatihalli, and Nandi Halt—on the Bengaluru-Chikkaballapur-Kolar line were identified for restoration. This historical line, initiated in 1908 by a private enterprise under a guarantee from the state, was supplemented by an agreement with the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Company.
“The station buildings, 107 years old, reflect a blend of colonial and vernacular architecture, providing tourists with an insight into local history,” Bengaluru Divisional Commercial Manager Thrinethra KR told Moneycontrol. “We will ensure punctuality of all trains, especially as the line passes through KIA Halt station, utilised by airport staff and passengers,” he said.
He said railway board has already approved doubling between Yelahanka and Devanahalli, as well as the doubling work between Devanahalli and Bangarpet via Kolar with automatic signalling. “Once this work is completed, punctuality of trains on this section will also improve.” said Thrinethra.
Hariprasad said: “The hybrid architecture of these station buildings resembles many vintage railway stations in the old Mysore region. Built by the Mysore state during the colonial period, except for the Nandi railway station, which was later extended, these stations share a similar architectural design. Featuring a central main structure with a four-sided Mangalore tiled gable roof, each gable has a circular glass window. A small corridor and local Kadappa stone flooring in the main structure reflect the influence of vernacular architecture.””All four station buildings comprise a hall, a small storage room, and a corridor. Nandi Halt, situated centrally facing Nandi Hill, consists of three halls. Construction materials like Mangalore tiles, lime mortar, and Kadapa stones are locally sourced. The building, over 100 years old, has suffered wear and tear, with disarrayed roof tiles and cracks. Some beams were in poor condition due to moisture. So the focus was on structural strengthening rather than replacement. Given the limited expertise in this field, restoring the old architectural style without damaging the structures’ originality proved to be a challenging task. Preserving the building’s character was equally difficult.” she said.
“The Bangalore division has undertaken the restoration process in collaboration with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTAC). The project involves converting parts of the heritage buildings into exhibition centres and art galleries, showcasing the region’s rich railway heritage,” she added.
