Bengaluru, satellite towns to get semi-high-speed RRTS corridors? NCRTC submits proposal to Karnataka govt

The first RRTS corridor, Delhi–Meerut, became partially operational in October 2023, with 55 km of the 82-km route already functional.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has proposed four semi-high-speed Namo Bharat corridors originating from Bengaluru to boost regional connectivity.

Sources told Moneycontrol that the proposed rail corridors are: Bengaluru–Hoskote–Kolar (65 km), Bengaluru–Mysuru (145 km), Bengaluru–Tumakuru (60 km). Bengaluru–Hosur–Krishnagiri–Dharmapuri (138 km, extending into neighbouring Tamil Nadu).

Namo Bharat is India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), with operational speeds of up to 160 kmph, covering up to 90 km in an hour. The first corridor, Delhi–Meerut, became partially operational in October 2023, with 55 km of the 82-km route already functional.

Also read: Bengaluru Metro's extension to outskirts, double-decker flyovers; contracts awarded for feasibility studies

NCRTC has invited Karnataka government officials to visit the operational Sarai Kale Khan–Modipuram stretch in Delhi-NCR and has offered to prepare the initial documentation for the proposed corridors.

“ NCRTC is willing to undertake the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these or other corridors, if assigned by the Government of Karnataka and the Government of India (MoHUA). Our team can also visit Bengaluru to present the proposal to the Chief Secretary and stakeholders,” the letter from NCRTC accessed by Moneycontrol states.

“Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor followed an equity-sharing model: 60 percent from multilateral agencies, 20 percent from the Government of India, and 20 percent from the state government. A similar model can be adopted here,” the letter added.

Also read: Bengaluru suburban rail's Phase 2 to cover 146 km, to link proposed circular rail

A senior Karnataka government official confirmed receipt of NCRTC’s letter and said: “We are studying it. Discussions are at an early stage.”

According to the letter, the RRTS system incorporates global best practices, including advanced signalling, all-weather operations and an exclusive viaduct/tunnel-based alignment. “We believe Karnataka, with its strong GDP contribution, will benefit from fast and reliable commuting options like the Namo Bharat system,” it said.

NCRTC also suggested planning TOD or transit-oriented development around the proposed corridors to support structured urban growth and decongest Bengaluru. “Densification and TOD around major transport corridors will enable polycentric growth, unlocking the potential of satellite cities,” the letter said.

Also read: Hosur Metro: CMRL officials visit Bengaluru, 12 stations planned

The proposal highlights the untapped economic potential of cities such as Kolar, Mysuru, Tumakuru and Hosur, now constrained by poor connectivity. “Mysuru, Karnataka’s second-largest city, is expected to reach a population of 3.5 million by 2031, with strong industrial and tourism sectors. Kolar is shifting from gold mining to logistics and manufacturing. Tumakuru is already a major industrial node,” an official said.

Also read: Bengaluru's traffic conundrum: Metro rail to the outskirts, suburban rail confined to city limits, and tunnel vision

Metro, suburban, and HSR plans

More locally, while Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has submitted a feasibility report to the state government to extend the network from Madavara to Tumakuru and is also proposing an extension from the airport line (KR Pura–Kempegowda International Airport) to Devanahalli, other proposed routes include Challaghatta–Bidadi, Silk Institute–Harohalli, Bommasandra–Attibele and Kalena Agrahara–Jigani–Anekal–Attibele–Sarjapur–Varthur–Kadugodi Tree Park.

Also read: Bengaluru suburban rail expansion plans to satellite towns stalled as South Western Railway raises red flags

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government is pushing for the proposed 23-km Bommasandra–Hosur Metro, South India's first interstate metro corridor with 12 stations. However, the Karnataka government is reluctant to back it, citing cost concerns for Bengaluru, which also makes approval for the Bengaluru–Hosur–Krishnagiri–Dharmapuri RRTS corridor seem unlikely.

However, many transport experts said that semi-high-speed RRTS or suburban rail is more viable than the six-coach metro for satellite towns, as metro trains have lower seating capacity and frequent stoppages. Politicians appear to be keener on the metro, as it is seen as a real-estate catalyst, while dedicated suburban rail and RRTS are relatively new concepts in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) had earlier proposed a 452-km suburban rail expansion to satellite towns like Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Hosur and Magadi. However, the proposal was rejected by South Western Railway, which asked K-RIDE to focus on the already sanctioned 148-km Phase 1 corridors.

Separately, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) is planning a 435-km high-speed rail corridor between Chennai and Mysuru, with nine stations, targeted for completion by 2051.

Also read: Bengaluru: BMRCL to prepare feasibility report for 118 km extension to outskirts, floats tender

Transit-oriented growth

NCRTC envisions the Namo Bharat system as a catalyst for economic hubs by integrating housing, offices and commercial spaces around stations. “Regional connectivity reduces travel time, boosts land values, drives industrial decentralisation and supports suburban housing,” said an official.

Officials say it will ease Bengaluru’s burden, increase access to markets and reduce dependence on a single urban centre. “Karnataka can become one of the first states in India to implement comprehensive high-speed regional transit,” the official said. The Delhi–Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is projected to raise public transport share from 37 percent to 63 percent and help reduce road traffic by over 1 lakh private vehicles.

Also read: Karnataka budget: Bengaluru Metro to extend to Tumakuru and Devanahalli; tunnel road in Hebbal announced