7 hours ago
Circular rail network on Bengaluru's outskirts to cost Rs 81,000 crore
Bengaluru: The proposed Circular Rail Link Project on Bengaluru's outskirts requires an investment of Rs 81,000 crore and acquisition of 2,500 acres of land.
Spanning 287km, the double-line circular network will connect Nidavanda, Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, Malur, Heelalige, Solur and other peripheral towns.
It aims to decongest rail traffic in the city's core areas and cater to residents on the outskirts and nearby districts by enabling more suburban rail services.
On Saturday, minister of state for railways V Somanna held a meeting with MPs from Bengaluru and adjoining districts to discuss the project. The railway board sanctioned a final location survey (FLS), which is currently being conducted in phases. The minister said the central govt will fund the entire project.
"This is a long-term initiative meant to benefit Bengaluru over the next 50 years," he said.
The actual land requirement and cost will be finalised after the detailed project report (DPR) is ready. Completing the FLS is expected to take several months.
Camelaram, Panathur works
Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan submitted a requisition to Somanna, urging South Western Railway (SWR) to coordinate with BBMP to expedite pending RoB and RuB works at Carmelaram and Panathur.
He noted that only 35% of the Carmelaram RoB is complete, causing prolonged closure of Carmelaram-Gunjur Road and affecting commuters. Similarly, the Panathur RuB is stalled due to BBMP's delay in acquiring land needed for the approach road and drainage.
Need superfast train to Mumbai: Mohan
Mohan called for a superfast train between Bengaluru and Mumbai, pointing out that the current Udyan Express takes over 20 hours.
Despite repeated public requests, the railway board hasn't approved a faster service, he said.
On the redevelopment of KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station, the MP said the proposal is pending with the railway board. He urged Somanna to initiate a feasibility study for a rapid rail transit system (RRTS) on key corridors such as Bengaluru-Tumakuru, Bengaluru-Ramanagara, Bengaluru-Mandya-Mysuru and Bengaluru-Kolar.
