62 encroachments on railway land in Corridor 2 of BSRP

NT

Bengaluru

Amidst repeated delays and issues with other civic utilities in its objective of ushering in a suburban rail system for Bengaluru, Railway Infrastructure Development Enterprise - Karnataka (K-RIDE) has found 62 encroachments on land owned by the railways along Corridor 2 connecting Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara.

This was disclosed by Managing Director of K-RIDE N Manjula. She made the remarks during an inspection at Kanakanagar with Chief Secretary of Karnataka Shalini Rajneesh also visiting the spot. Corridor 2 runs for a distance of 25.01 kilometre via important hubs like Hebbal and Yesvantpur. However, with track installation and land acquisition issues mushrooming, the line has got delayed. “We have redrawn the timeline with Larsen and Toubro (L&T) who’ve faced manpower issues, Civic works on the line will be completed by September 2026, and the line will be commissioned by December that year” Manjula said. With regards to the hurdles K-RIDE is facing, Manjula added that civic utilities and private properties are to be looked into on priority.

“There are 32 utility elements belonging to BWSSB and cables are installed at six locations by KPTCL. One of these will be transferred and the others will be adjusted on poles.” she stated. What’s unique about the line is the elevated section of six kilometres between Hebbal and Banaswadi that would eliminate level crossings on the existing railway track. “A 6 metre tall embankment will be constructed, on which tracks will be laid for the train,” she said.