Bengaluru Central MP P C Mohan has appealed to Union Minister V Somanna, who holds portfolios in the Jal Shakti and Railways ministries, to address key bottlenecks stalling railway infrastructure in the city. During a review session on the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) on Saturday, Mohan emphasized that bureaucratic delays and inadequate coordination between civic agencies are significantly slowing progress.
A key concern was the halted Carmelaram Road Over Bridge (ROB), which is only 35% finished due to land acquisition delays by the BBMP. This has led to the closure of the Carmelaram–Gunjur Road, causing major public inconvenience. Another issue is the underuse of the Panathur Road Underbridge (RUB), which remains idle because access roads are incomplete.
Mohan also suggested launching a new high-speed train service between Bengaluru and Mumbai, citing that the current Udyan Express takes over 21 hours—an unviable option for most commuters.
He further questioned the status of the Rs 1,000-crore upgrade of KSR Bengaluru Railway Station. The project is stuck due to the state government’s delay in transferring Binny Mills land and the absence of Railway Board approval.
Mohan urged feasibility studies for Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors connecting Bengaluru to Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Mandya–Mysuru, and Kolar via existing rail lines. In response, Somanna assured that the Railway Ministry will bear the full cost of BSRP and is committed to pushing the project forward.
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