NCRTC moots Namo Bharat semi-high speed rail corridor connecting B'luru & Mys

Time of India

3 hours ago

Bengaluru: Even as the state govt accelerates efforts to expand Namma Metro to neighbouring districts like Tumakuru and key satellite towns such as Harohalli, Bidadi, Devanahalli, and Jigani, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) proposed a plan to introduce semi-high speed Namo Bharat trains to enhance regional connectivity.
In a proposal to the state govt, NCRTC suggested developing a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) along four key corridors. These include Bengaluru–Hoskote–Kolar (65km), Bengaluru–Mysuru (145km), Bengaluru–Tumakuru (60km), and an inter-state corridor from Bengaluru to Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri (138km).
The proposed corridors aim to provide faster and efficient connectivity between Bengaluru and its rapidly growing outskirts and neighbouring districts.
The estimated travel time between Bengaluru and Kolar, and Bengaluru and Tumakuru is around 46 minutes. The Bengaluru–Mysuru route is expected to take approximately one hour.
NCRTC, which is implementing the country's first Namo Bharat corridor between Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, designed the system for a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h, capable of covering 90km in an hour. Since Oct 2023, 55 kilometres of the total 82-km Delhi–Meerut corridor was operationalised.
In May, NCRTC wrote to the chief secretary of the state govt, proposing the development of RRTS corridors. The corporation also invited state officials to visit the operational corridor from Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) to Modipuram.
The letter stated that NCRTC is willing to undertake the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) for these or any other corridors as assigned by the Karnataka or Central govts.
NCRTC claims that Namo Bharat is distinct from Metro systems, as it caters to passengers travelling relatively longer distances with fewer stops and at much higher speeds.
Namo Bharat trains are designed for a speed of 180 km/h, with an operational speed of 160 km/h and an average speed of 90 km/h—nearly three times faster than a typical Metro. It also claims that unlike conventional railways, the system is designed to provide reliable, high-frequency, point-to-point regional travel along a dedicated pathway.
Meanwhile, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) recently submitted a feasibility report for extending Namma Metro from Madavara to Tumakuru over a stretch of 59 km. The proposed line, featuring 25 stations, is estimated to cost Rs 20,650 crore under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and Rs 18,670 crore if implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The feasibility report is under way for extending Namma Metro to Attibele, Jigani, Devanahalli and other towns on the outskirts.