Title - L : Commuter rail could be a reality within a couple of years

A commuter rail system that could solve traffic gridlocks in Bangalore could be a reality within two years on the existing railway network in and around the city.The project will take concrete shape after RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Services), assigned to prepare a detailed report on the proposal, submits its report in a couple of weeks.After the final report, all the stakeholders will meet and decide on the model to be adopted to execute the project, said Sudhanshu Mani, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of South Western Railway’s Bangalore Division.

Years of demand

Mr. Mani told presspersons here that the demand had been there for years and many suggestions were made on the project. The State government’s Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) had asked RITES to prepare a feasibility report.“The RITES has prepared a draft report that was discussed with the State government recently. It was decided to get a final report with some modifications within a couple of weeks,” Mr. Mani said.The DRM made it clear that the commuter rail system will be operational on the existing rail network. “Operations can commence within a year once the project gets final approval of the State government and the Railway Board. Construction of additional lines along the existing single/ double lines to cater to commuter rail system would get completed within another year,” Mr. Mani said. The funding pattern of the project too will be decided after the RITES submits the final report.

The commuter rail system could cater to Nelamangala, Tumkur, Doddaballapur, Chickballapur — including Bengaluru International Airport — Whitefield/Bangarpet, Hosur and Kengeri/Bidadi, Mr. Mani added.