Bengaluru's First Suburban Rail Segment To Roll Out By December 2025

The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) is set to achieve a significant milestone as the initial 7.4 km segment from Chikkabanavara to Yeshwantpur is scheduled to commence operations by December 2025.

This development was announced by Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil during a press conference following his visit to the Gollahalli casting yard near Devanahalli.

Minister Patil highlighted the innovative introduction of a 100-feett (31-metre) U-girder, marking a transformative leap in bridge deck design for the BSRP. This advancement, surpassing traditional standards, promises benefits such as reduced construction time, improved aesthetics, enhanced durability, and cost-effectiveness.

The utilisation of these girders will play a crucial role in constructing an 8 km viaduct from Hebbal to Yeshwantpur, a key component of the 'Mallige' line or Corridor-2 of the BSRP, signifying significant progress in modernising Bengaluru's suburban rail infrastructure.

Minister Patil also provided insights into the project's progress, revealing that approximately 20 per cent of the work has been completed. Notably, substantial strides have been made in land acquisition, with 98.5 per cent of the required land secured for Corridor-2, demonstrating a commitment to overcoming challenges and coordinating with stakeholders.

He emphasised the importance of securing encroachment-free land and timely project design approvals. Additionally, he called for expedited alignment approval and land handover for Corridor-1 and Corridor-3 by June 2024 to adhere to project timelines. Looking ahead, discussions are underway to integrate the BSRP with the Peripheral Railway Network, with plans to extend connectivity to satellite towns in the future.

Minister Patil also addressed claims of technical inadequacy, affirming K-RIDE's competence in managing mega projects like the BSRP. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the project's success, devoid of politicisation, reports The Hindu.

BSRP Project

The existing BSRP project plan comprises four corridors with a total length of 148.17 km. The project cost is estimated at Rs 15,677 crore.

These corridors include KSR Bengaluru City to Devanahalli (Corridor-1 - 41.4 km), Baiyappanahalli to Chikkabanavara (Corridor-2 - 25.01 km), Kengeri to Whitefield (Corridor-3 - 25.01 km), and Heelalige to Rajanukunte (Corridor-4 - 46.25 km).

On 20 June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the suburban rail project in the city. He promised that the project would be completed in 40 months.

Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project will link Bengaluru to its satellite townships, suburbs, and surrounding rural areas through a rail-based rapid-transit system network.