The long-delayed Bengaluru suburban rail project is likely to get a full-time Managing Director (MD) soon, with Indian Railways initiating the recruitment process for the post.
Indian Railways on June 2 issued a notification inviting applications for the MD role at Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE), the joint venture responsible for implementing the Rs 15,767-crore project.
Also, read: Bengaluru suburban rail needs full-time MD familiar with railway tech: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The post is open to Group 'A' officers with 25 years of experience, including five in Senior Administrative Grade (SAG), and a background in railway infrastructure projects. The three-year deputation-based tenure is based in Bengaluru and extendable as per rules. The deadline is July 5.
In addition to the MD post, railways has invited applications for 13 other positions across departments such as civil engineering, electrical, design, planning, procurement, and HR. These appointments—on a contract or deputation basis—are aimed at strengthening K-RIDE’s capacity and fast-tracking the project.
Sources told Moneycontrol that the Karnataka government has given its consent to invite applications for the appointment of a full-time MD. "The state has given its approval for the appointments. However, land acquisition remains the biggest challenge. Many landowners have approached the courts. We’ve requested the contractor (L&T) to begin work in areas where land is already available, but L&T insists on having the full work front before proceeding. Acquiring and handing over the entire land parcel will take time," a source closely involved with the project said.
Also, read: Two Bengaluru suburban rail corridors to be ready by Dec 2026: Railways MoS V Somanna
The 148-km Bengaluru suburban rail project, divided into four corridors, was approved by the Union Cabinet in October 2020 with a six-year deadline, targeting completion by 2026. In June 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, promising to deliver the long-pending project within 40 months. However, work has commenced only on two corridors—the 24.8-km Mallige Line (Baiyyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara) and the 46.2-km Kanaka Line (Heelalige–Rajanakunte).
Even on these lines, progress has been minimal, with earthwork and retaining walls completed only in scattered stretches. Contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which is executing these two corridors, has reportedly withdrawn much of its manpower and equipment due to delays in land handover. Sources say the company has even threatened to pull out entirely if the situation does not improve. L&T did not respond to queries.
Also, read: Bengaluru suburban rail project near standstill amid Karnataka–Centre tussle
The key issues hampering progress include delayed land transfer by South Western Railway, poor inter-agency coordination, and the prolonged absence of a full-time MD since August 2022. The post of K-RIDE Managing Director has been held as an additional charge by N Manjula, secretary, Karnataka Infrastructure Development Department, since November 2023.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently underlined the need for a dedicated MD with domain expertise and blamed the state government’s slow pace in acquiring land for project delays.
Rajkumar Dugar, founder and convenor of Citizens for Citizens (C4C), said: “With key posts like Managing Director now being filled at KRIDE, it seems the State and Union governments have resolved their differences. The project must now be fast-tracked, with sincere efforts to complete all four corridors and extend them to nearby towns to ease congestion and benefit more commuters.”
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