Essential Travel Update: Upcoming Changes and Closures on South Western Rail

Updated on: October 12, 2024 8:07 pm GMT

Travelers using South Western Railway (SWR) and Great Western Railway (GWR) services should prepare for important changes this September, impacting the timing of select express trains and travel plans across various routes.

South Western Railway Adjusts Train Timings

The South Western Railway has announced updates affecting the schedules of several express trains due to the introduction of the new Madurai-Bengaluru Cantonment-Madurai Vande Bharat Express. These adjustments will take effect starting late September, with the following specific changes:

• Train 13433 SMVT Bengaluru-Malda Town Amrit Bharat Express will now arrive at Jolarpettai at 4:35 PM instead of 4:30 PM, starting September 24.
• Train 22625 Dr. MGR Chennai Central to KSR Bengaluru Double Decker Express will reach Bangarapet at 11:29 AM and KR Puram at 12:15 PM, altered from 11:28 AM and 12:18 PM, effective September 20.
• Train 12578 Mysuru-Darbhaga Bagamati Express will now arrive at Jolarpettai at 4:35 PM, effective September 23.
• Train 12539 Yesvantpur-Lucknow Weekly Express will also see an arrival change at Jolarpettai, moving to 4:35 PM from 4:30 PM, effective September 25.
• Train 22352 SMVT Bengaluru-Patliputra Weekly Express, Train 12253 SMVT Bengaluru-Bhagalpur Anga Weekly Express, and Train 22354 SMVT Bengaluru-Patna Humsafar Weekly Express will similarly arrive at Jolarpettai at 4:35 PM, each on different days starting September 21.
• Train 12639 MGR Chennai Central to DKSR Bengaluru Brindavan Superfast Express will adjust its arrival times across stations, arriving in Kuppam, Bangarapet, KR Puram, and KSR Bengaluru at 11:39 AM, 12:07 PM, 12:50 PM, and 2 PM, respectively.

These revised schedules aim to accommodate the new express service and ensure a smoother travel experience.

Great Western Railway Engineering Works

Meanwhile, GWR is alerting passengers that essential engineering work will disrupt train services on the Heart of Wessex Line over the weekend. Here’s what travelers need to know:

• The line will close between Castle Cary and Weymouth from September 23 to 29.
• Rail replacement buses will be available between Wareham and Weymouth to assist affected passengers.
• Alternative GWR services will run between Dorchester West and Westbury, continuing onto Bristol Temple Meads.
• Passengers can also expect bus services calling at all stations between Castle Cary and Weymouth.
• Notably, SWR services from London Waterloo to Weymouth will not be disrupted at Dorchester South.

Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “The track we are replacing is over fifty years old and worn out, making it more prone to defects and faults. This essential engineering work will improve the railway between Weymouth and Castle Cary, allowing passengers to enjoy smoother and more reliable journeys.”

Alternative Travel Options

For passengers looking for alternative routes, GWR recommends the following:

1. Use SWR services between Westbury and Weymouth, available from September 23 to 27.
2. Prepare for bus replacements for all trains via Southampton Central on the weekend of 28 and 29 September.
3. Checks are advised ahead of travel to properly account for potential disruptions and revised journey times.

Jordan Welsby, GWR Station Manager, added, “This improvement work is a part of an ongoing maintenance program that helps ensure consistent and reliable services.”

Summary of Changes

Travelers should take note of the adjustments and engineering work in place:

• Train Adjustments:

– Affected trains will have minor adjustments in arrival times at select stations.

• Engineering Work:

– The Heart of Wessex Line closes from September 23 to 29.

– Replacement bus services will operate across affected routes.

As passengers adapt to the changes, it is crucial to plan ahead to minimize inconvenience. Checking service updates from South Western Railway and Great Western Railway will ensure a smoother journey experience.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling by train in Dorset and the South Western Railway areas, it’s important to keep an eye out for changes in the train schedules and any planned construction work. By planning ahead and knowing about other travel options, you can make your trip easier during these updates. Staying aware of the new arrival times and possible delays will help you travel with less stress.