Phase 2 of Suburban rail to cover 146 kilometres

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Phase 2 of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project is set to connect satellite towns of the city, confirmed the Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprise (K-RIDE) on Tuesday. The proposed extension features a 146 kilometre network connecting existing terminals of the BSRP to nearby towns. If the proposal materialises, Chikkabanavara would emerge as a potential multi-modal transport hub in Northern Bengaluru, which may reduce the burden on Yeshwantpur Junction.

The ongoing suburban line features a 148 kilometre network. This includes the Sampige Line connecting KSR Bengaluru City and the Bengaluru Airport, the Mallige Line connecting Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara, Parijaata Line between Kengeri and Whitefield and the stretch connecting Heelalige and Rajanukunte. Similarly t, the proposal also has four lines - C1 Devanahalli to Chikkaballapur (18 kms), C2 Chikkabanavara - Kunigal (50 kms) and Chikkabanavara - Dobbaspet (36 kms), C3 Kengeri to Hejjala (11 kms) C4 Heelalige - Anekal Road 11 kilometres and Rajanakunte to Oderahalli (20 kms). This will also connect a few stations coming along the 287 kilometre circular rail network proposed by the Union Railway Ministry. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is set to be prepared by 2025.

Previously the K-RIDE’s proposal to extend the suburban rail network upto 425 kilometres connecting satellite towns like Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Tumakuru, Magadi, Bangarapet and Hosur was rejected by the South Western Railway (SWR) in 2023. Rail enthusiasts, commuters have welcomed this move, and cited tha connecting the BSRP with the circular rail network would help decongesting the city.