Talk to a RailFan - you will learn a LOT about Trains.

Yes, that too is true. Some reasons I can think is - the villages are far from the station.
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Other is no mobilisation. See in reply 8 pics. One political party members were there giving pamphlets to all and also their party scarf.
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my other inaugurals of new line - Hassan had a lot publicity in papers and major towns were on the way, so a lot of crowd, all along.
In Chikkabenakal line - political parties had used tractors to ferry villagers to the stations. Also served them pulav and kesari bath (villagers brought boxes and vessels to take home too, apart from eating there :)). In both the trains - politicians of all parties travelled, so a lot of hype, puja, publicity and mobilisation of party workers.
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Here only some officials, interested local people and some workers who worked to build the line travelled.