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

The Karnataka government's initiative to expand the planned 148 km suburban rail network to satellite towns now faces a setback as the South Western Railway (SWR) raised concerns about the proposal.

The Karnataka government's initiative to expand the planned 148 km suburban rail network to satellite towns now faces a setback as the South Western Railway (SWR) raised concerns about the proposal.

Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil, in July 2023, said that Phase 2 of the suburban rail project would cover 452 km, connecting towns/cities, including Kolar, Tumakuru, Mysuru, Bangarapet, Hosur, and Gauribidanur.

Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE), the executing agency for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), had prepared a proposal to expand the network to nearby cities and towns. K-RIDE sought the approval of the Union Ministry of Railways to conduct a pre-feasibility study for the expansion of the network.

Also, read: Bengaluru suburban rail's Phase 2 to cover 452 km; Karnataka seeks nod from rail ministry

No justification: SWR

In a letter dated November 13, 2023, to the additional chief secretary, Infrastructure Development Department, and K-RIDE managing director, SWR chief engineer Lakshman Singh said, "There appears to be no justification in undertaking a pre-feasibility study for the extension of the planned four BSRP corridors in satellite towns since sufficient planning is already done by Indian railways."

The letter urged K-RIDE to review two aspects: i) Ensuring that the rolling stock being procured by BSRP corridors is suitable for plying on the Indian railway network, and ii) Considering the utilisation of the current and future network of Indian Railways for the extension of suburban services to satellite towns.

Further, the letter urged the Karnataka government to focus on the faster execution and completion of works already undertaken by K-RIDE, noting that the progress is 'extremely slow and behind schedule'.

SWR to increase section capacity 

SWR said that several measures for better connectivity to commuters traveling between satellite towns and Bengaluru.

The letter said enhancements of speeds to 130/160 kmph along important corridors, including Bengaluru to Jolarpettai, Bengaluru to Dharmavaram, and Bengaluru to Tumakuru. "The provision of automatic block signaling to enhance capacity in the immediate future around Bengaluru in all directions," it said.

Other ongoing projects include doubling and quadrupling along major corridors. "The quadrupling of the section with automatic signalling from Bengaluru Cantonment to Whitefield is in progress and is expected to be completed by 2024-25. The final location survey for quadrupling in Bangarpet - Jolarpet, Bengaluru - Tumakuru, and Bengaluru - Mysuru sections has been sanctioned by the railway board. Four additional platforms have been constructed at Bengaluru Cantonment station for the operation of more suburban services," it stated.

Also, read: Karnataka govt sets 2028 deadline for entire Bengaluru suburban rail project

The letter also highlighted the development of Vande Metro trains for suburban travel, providing faster, safer, and more comfortable travel for passengers with peak speeds of 130/160 kmph. The need for high-speed train services was also emphasised, given the public demand for connectivity from satellite towns to the city center.

The letter also noted that final location survey of a circular railway connecting the outskirts of Bengaluru has recently been sanctioned by the railway board.

Suburban systems in all Indian cities are part of the Indian railway network, unlike Metro systems. The interoperability of rolling stock on the suburban network ensures optimal utilisation of infrastructure, the letter said.

Presently, K-RIDE has a mandate to construct four corridors within the Bengaluru city limit. The utilisation of the current and future network of Indian Railways, coupled with initiatives by SWR, is expected to significantly improve and meet the demand of commuter traffic connecting Bengaluru City and satellite towns in the foreseeable future, it adds.

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Bengaluru Suburban Rail project

The ongoing BSRP project consists of four corridors covering a total length of 148.17 km. This includes 41.4-km Sampige Line (KSR Bengaluru City–Bengaluru airport- Devanahalli), 25-km Mallige Line (Benniganahalli–Chikkabanavara), 35.5-km Parijaata Line (Kengeri–Whitefield) and 46.25-km stretch between Heelalige and Rajanukunte.

According to the K-RIDE proposal, suburban rail will be extended to various destinations, including Devanahalli to Kolar (107 km), Chikkabanavara to Tumakuru via Dobbaspet (55 km), Kengeri to Mysuru (125 km), Whitefield to Bangarpet (45 km), Heelalige to Hosur (23 km), and Rajanukunte to Gauribidanur via Doddaballapur (52 km). Additionally, a new line, 'corridor 2A,' is proposed from Chikkabanavara to Magadi (45 km).