Demand Rises for NIMHANS 2nd Campus in Tumakuru Instead of Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The inauguration of the new Vande Bharat Express in Karnataka was a moment of pride, but a different demand is gaining traction in the state. Citizens and leaders from Tumakuru are calling for the second campus of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) to be established in Tumakuru rather than Bengaluru.

Background on NIMHANS Expansion
NIMHANS, a premier institution for mental health in India, has been looking to expand its facilities to better serve the increasing demand for mental health services. The proposal for a second campus has been under discussion, with Bengaluru being the likely location due to its existing infrastructure and connectivity.

Tumakuru's Case for NIMHANS
However, the people of Tumakuru argue that Bengaluru already houses the primary NIMHANS campus, along with many other healthcare institutions. They believe that Tumakuru, a growing city with significant potential, deserves the new facility. Establishing NIMHANS' second campus in Tumakuru would not only help in decentralizing healthcare services but also promote the region's development.

Local leaders have voiced their concerns, stating that the concentration of resources in Bengaluru often leaves other parts of Karnataka underserved. Tumakuru, with its proximity to Bengaluru, could serve as an ideal location for the new NIMHANS campus, offering access to quality healthcare for residents of the surrounding districts as well.

Recent Developments
The demand for relocating the proposed NIMHANS campus has gained momentum as Karnataka sees the launch of its 8th Vande Bharat Express, connecting Bengaluru and Madurai. The high-speed train, which began its journey from Madurai Junction at 12:30 PM and reached Bengaluru Cantonment at 8:00 PM, was flagged off by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday. This new addition highlights Bengaluru's growing connectivity and infrastructure, further strengthening the case for distributing such developments across other regions of Karnataka.

Vande Bharat Timetable
The newly launched Vande Bharat Express will officially start its operations on September 2, 2024. Operating six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, the train will depart from Madurai Junction at 5:15 AM and reach Bengaluru Cantonment at 1:00 PM, covering a distance of 521 kilometers. The return journey will start at 1:30 PM from Bengaluru Cantonment and reach Madurai Junction by 9:45 PM.

Special Trains for Onam

In addition to the Vande Bharat Express, the Southern Railway has announced special trains between Mangaluru and Kollam to manage the heavy passenger traffic during the Onam holidays. Train number 06047 will depart from Mangaluru Junction at 11:00 PM on September 2, 9, 16, and 23, reaching Kollam Junction at 10:20 AM the next day. The return service, train number 06048, will depart from Kollam Junction at 6:55 PM on September 3, 10, 17, and 24, arriving in Mangaluru at 7:30 AM the following morning.