Journeying through Mysore's timeless Rail heritage. Ep-2 from Sagarkatte to KR Nagar MG station.

"Discover the hidden wonders of Dornahalli Station - where adventure awaits at every platform."
Driving through Sagarkatte, we ventured across the Sagarkatte Bridge, catching a close-up view of the old MG bridge merely 30 meters away. Continuing our journey, we arrived at the tranquil and picturesque Dornhalli Railway station, nestled amidst the serene beauty of Mysore district. The station exuded an aura of calmness, akin to being ensconced within a dense jungle in a wildlife sanctuary. The melodious chirping of birds enveloped the atmosphere, transporting us to a realm where nature thrived undisturbed. Despite the absence of bustling human activity, the station stood resplendent, a relic of the erstwhile Metre-gauge era, with its vintage architecture and pristine interiors impeccably preserved. Every corner echoed with the nostalgia of yesteryears, with antiquated objects dotting the surroundings. Amidst the tranquil ambiance, the station remained deserted, devoid of any bustling crowds, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the serenity of the countryside. A lone hand pump stood testament to the station's self-sufficiency, while the pervasive peace enveloped us, offering a respite from the chaos of urban life.
"Discovering the charm of yesteryear's Railways at Krishna Raja Nagar : where history meets adventure in every track."
After exploring Dornahalli station, I and Akshay Deshpande headed towards an unfamiliar location (mostly un-known to the people), the old defunct Metre-gauge Krishna Raja Nagar Railway station. This station, once bustling with activity, now stood abandoned, a relic of the past left behind during the Gauge conversion from Mysore to Hassan Junction section. The transition to Broad gauge necessitated the closure of the old station, replaced by a new one situated elsewhere.
As we conversed with locals in the area, it became evident that the old Metre-gauge station held a special place in their memories. They reminisced about its superior convenience and connectivity, especially its proximity to the highway. Passengers could easily disembark from the Metre-gauge trains and seamlessly transition onto buses, facilitating their journeys to various destinations. This seamless integration of different modes of transportation significantly enhanced the travel experience for commuters, a feature lacking in the newer, Broader-gauge station.
The sentiment among the locals echoed a longing for the days when the old station thrived, serving as a vital hub for transportation in the region. Its strategic location near the highway not only facilitated ease of access but also fostered economic activity in the surrounding areas. The closure of the Metre-gauge station represented more than just a shift in railway infrastructure; it symbolized the loss of a community nexus and a departure from a simpler, more connected era. As I absorbed the stories and nostalgia shared by the locals, I gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of transportation hubs in shaping the social and economic fabric of communities. The old Metre-gauge Krishna Raja Nagar station may have faded into obscurity, but its memory continued to resonate, a testament to its enduring impact on the lives of those it once served.
The Krishna Raja Nagar Railway station, sprawling across acres, now resembles a tranquil haven overrun by snakes and lush greenery. Benches still dot the platform, but the tracks lie either uprooted or buried beneath grass and bushes. In its heyday, this station served as a pivotal stop for Metre-gauge Steam-hauled trains ferrying passengers to destinations like Hassan and Arsikere branches. Notably, the Mangalore connection, traversing through the ranges of the Western Ghats, had Metre-gauge trains passing through Krishna Raja Nagar station only.
An intriguing geographic distinction emerges as Belagula, Krishna Raja Sagar, and Sagarkatte Railway stations on Mysore- Hassan branch line reside in Mandya district, whereas Dornhalli and Krishna Nagar Railway stations are situated in Mysore district. Despite its current state of desolation, the station stands as a testament to a bygone era of Metre-gauge Rail travel.
Episode 2 concludes at KR Nagar Railway station, wrapping up a memorable day of suburban and countryside exploration around Mysore. With a refreshing stop for cold drinks along the way, Akshay drops me off at Zostel for the evening, returning later for dinner as promised. Stay tuned for Episode 3, where we share lighter moments during and after dinner, as our exploration of Mysore's enchanting landscape continues, unveiling countless treasures yet to be discovered. 🌟🚂#AdventureAwaits #StayTuned.

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Nice coverage Amar Bhai
Watching from 🇵🇰

[@abhikalia4707]

Thank you.