The Bengaluru suburban rail project is set for a major upgrade, with Phase 2 introducing a 146-km network expansion to improve connectivity and integrate with the city’s proposed circular rail system.
Phase 1, already underway, features four corridors totaling 148 km. These include the Sampige Line (41.4 km), connecting Bengaluru City to the airport, the Mallige Line (25 km) from Benniganahalli to Chikkabanavara, the Parijaata Line (35.5 km) between Kengeri and Whitefield, and a 46.25 km stretch linking Heelalige to Rajanukunte.
Phase 2 focuses on extending the rail network to underserved areas. Key proposals from Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE) include stretches from Devanahalli to Chikkaballapur (18 km), Chikkabanavara to Kunigal (50 km), and Kengeri to Hejjala (11 km). Other extensions cover Heelalige to Anekal Road (11 km) and Rajanukunte to Oderahalli (20 km).
Simultaneously, the Union Ministry of Railways is planning a 287-km circular rail system, aimed at connecting vital hubs such as Devanahalli, Malur, Hejjala, and Solur. A feasibility study for merging the suburban rail expansion with this circular network is underway.
Although earlier ambitions to extend Bengaluru’s suburban rail by 452 km to cities like Mysuru and Tumakuru were shelved, the current focus remains on strengthening intracity travel.
With Bengaluru’s traffic woes escalating, these initiatives promise to transform urban mobility.
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