The first phase of Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project likely to open by end of 2026

Bengaluru, India (Urban Transport News): Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, undertook a comprehensive inspection of the Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) in Yelahanka and conducted a crucial review of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project today. The review meeting, held in Bengaluru, was attended by M.B. Patil, Karnataka's Minister for Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure, alongside senior officials including Rajgopal, General Manager of RWF.

During his visit, Somanna was briefed on the ongoing efforts to enhance the plant's capabilities. The inspection covered several critical areas including the forging complex, axle machining unit, and wheel casting unit. The Minister engaged with the staff, addressing their suggestions and concerns, and evaluated the overall performance of the factory.

A major highlight of the visit was the commissioning of a new Axle Machining Line, which is set to boost axle production by 40,000 units annually. This expansion aligns with the broader goals of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Somanna lauded RWF for its success in exporting wheels and axles to international markets such as Mozambique, Sudan, and Malaysia under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ initiative. He praised the factory’s ‘zero defect’ manufacturing process, driven by advanced industrial automation, and noted that RWF had surpassed its production targets for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Review of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project

Following the factory inspection, Somanna and Shri M.B. Patil reviewed the progress of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, with a focus on the Circular Railway Project. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a double-line railway network encircling Bengaluru, connecting key areas including Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, Malur, Anekal, Hejjala, Solur, and Nidavanda.

During the review meeting, it was announced that the Chikkabanavara-Baiyyappanahalli (Corridor-2, 25 km) and Heelalige-Rajanukunte (Corridor-4, 46.88 km) segments of the project are on track to be completed and dedicated to the nation by December 2026. Both ministers underscored the necessity for expedited land acquisition and urged officials to accelerate work on these segments to meet the deadlines. They also discussed potential extensions of the suburban railway to connect Bengaluru with neighboring cities such as Tumkur, Mysore, Magadi, Gouribidanur, and Kolar.

Coordination and Integration Efforts

Somanna highlighted the importance of coordination among various stakeholders, including Bengaluru Metro, the Suburban Rail Project, and other relevant authorities. He recommended regular coordination meetings to ensure smooth integration and prevent delays. The discussion also touched upon integrating the suburban railway with the proposed Circular Railway around Bengaluru, which has received approval from the Railway Board with an estimated cost of ₹21,000 crores.