Bengaluru: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced the introduction of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, designed to connect Bengaluru with Mysore and Tumkur. This announcement came during the minister’s visit to inspect the redevelopment of the Bengaluru Cantonment railway station.

Key Highlights:

  • The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, formerly known as the Vande Bharat Metro, is intended for short-distance travel, connecting major cities within 100-250 km. Currently, it operates semi-high-speed services between Ahmedabad and Bhuj.
  • Vaishnav highlighted that this rail service is ideal for the 135 km distance between Bengaluru and Mysore, and the 70 km stretch to Tumkur. He stated, “Operating rapid rail between pairs of cities up to 200 km apart is an ideal option for frequent and efficient service.”
  • The minister emphasized Bengaluru’s role as a magnet for residents from neighboring cities, which underscores the need for efficient rail connectivity. The successful implementation of rapid rail in other regions is seen as a model for this initiative.
  • K-RIDE, the agency responsible for the Bengaluru suburban railway project, had proposed extending the project to include Mysore, Tumkur, Kolar, and other neighboring cities. However, the Railway Board rejected this, asserting that the Centre is sufficiently addressing suburban travel needs through upgrades and new services.
  • The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a proposed circular railway network around Bengaluru is set to be finalized by December 2024. This project, costing Rs 23,000 crore, aims to cover 287 km and enhance Bengaluru’s rail capacity, alleviating congestion in the current railway network.
  • Additionally, the Kempegowda International Airport halt station will be relocated closer to the airport departures, facilitating better access for passengers. Initial discussions are planned with Bangalore International Airport Limited to expedite these improvements.

The introduction of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and the development of a circular railway network are significant steps towards improving transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Karnataka.

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