Title - ‘CRS, the missing link in city’s transport system’

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is enthusiastic about the implementation of the proposed Commuter Rail Service (CRS) in the city. Speaking to Express, Managing Director of BMRCL N Sivasailam said, “CRS will be the missing link in the city’s transport system. It is a suburban railway and is one step higher than the Metro in terms of reach.”“The CRS will not become a threat to BMRCL. It meets the demands of different sections. Metro is specifically for city-based travelling,  while CRS would help in connecting better to the cities around Bangalore.  The suburbs will be serviced with the CRS, which is essential,” Sivasailam added.He said CRS was not just for commuters, but also for transportation of goods from nearby cities to Bangalore. “Bangalore needs a constant supply of goods from the hinterland and CRS can contribute to this service,” he remarked.Replying to a question on how the Metro could interact with the CRS to provide seamless transportation options, Sivasailam said it was imperative to implement linking of various transport options in the planning stage itself. “Everything has to be planned and linked. Nothing can be achieved by working alone,” he noted.Sivasailam commented on the insistence of citizens that CRS must be linked to the centre areas of the city.“Some debate is required on this matter. Only because the project has worked in one city, it does not prove it will work even in Bangalore. There must be a proper linkage,” he opined. 

Experts, however, are of a different opinion and  Prof Sitaraman, director, CiSTUP, said that it was necessary for CRS to operate through the centre areas in the city, as it would be able to link many travelling points. It is crucial, he added.