Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project likely to complete by 2028

Bengaluru, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant development, the Karnataka government has announced a new deadline of 2028 for the completion of the long-pending Bengaluru suburban rail project, encompassing four corridors totaling 148 kilometers. This decision comes after the Union government sanctioned the project in October 2020 with an initial completion target of 2026. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation stone in June 2022, had expressed his intent for the project, initially proposed in 1983, to be concluded within 40 months.

Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil recently inspected the Mallige Line of the suburban rail, which connects Benniganahalli to Chikkabanavara. Patil acknowledged the challenges faced by the project but emphasized that the first corridor, the Mallige Line, is on track for completion within 26 months. Presently, 10-15 percent of the work for corridor 2 is completed, with groundwork expected to conclude within the next 10 months.

Patil directed officials to strive for the completion of all four corridors by 2026, with a contingency plan to extend the timeline to 2028 if unforeseen issues arise. The project's civil work for the Mallige Line was awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in August 2022, though progress has been slower than anticipated.

In response to inquiries about the Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) lacking a full-time managing director, Patil stated that discussions are ongoing between the Karnataka government and the Union Ministry of Railways regarding the appointment. The state is inclined to select a general officer while the railways prefer a railway person. Resolving this matter is anticipated within the next few months.

K-RIDE has also unveiled plans for Phase 2 of the project, extending Phase 1 corridors by an additional 452 kilometers. This expansion will connect satellite towns and cities, enhancing the reach of the suburban rail network.

The completion of the 8-kilometer Chikkabanavara-Yeshwantpur section of the Benniganahalli-Chikkabanavara corridor is underway, with elevated portions set to commence construction soon. The completion of this segment is a priority, and tender invitations for station work have been extended under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode.

As Karnataka accelerates its efforts to bolster the suburban rail network, it aligns with the city's rapid expansion and the necessity to enhance its public transportation infrastructure. The project's success will play a pivotal role in alleviating traffic congestion and fostering sustainable urban growth.

The Karnataka government's commitment to the Bengaluru suburban rail project reflects a steadfast determination to enhance the city's transportation network. With the announcement of a new deadline and a focus on expediting construction, this ambitious endeavor is poised to reshape urban mobility and improve the quality of life for residents. As the project progresses, close coordination between government departments and executing agencies will be crucial to overcoming challenges and ensuring successful implementation.