"Bengaluru Rail Network to Connect City with Key Outskirts".

The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP) and the City Circular Railway Project are poised to significantly improve connectivity between Bengaluru and its surrounding districts. To facilitate the integration of these two systems, a feasibility study has been initiated.

Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (K-RIDE), which is overseeing the suburban railway project, has sought approval from the South Western Railway to conduct the feasibility study. Once completed, K-RIDE will prepare a detailed project report, and work will commence subject to approval from both the state and central governments.

The suburban railway project, which will complement the existing metro system, will cover a total of 148 kilometres across four key corridors. These include a 41.4 km route connecting Bengaluru City (KSRTC), the airport, and Devanahalli; a 25 km stretch from Bannikahalli to Chikkabanavara; a 35.5 km corridor linking Kengeri and Whitefield; and a 46.25 km route between Heelalige and Rajanukunte.

The Circular Railway, designed to extend 287 kilometres around the outskirts of Bengaluru, will connect key regions such as Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, and others. Significant stretches include a 40.9 km route from Nidavanda to Doddaballapur, a 28.5 km stretch from Doddaballapur to Devanahalli, and a 46.5 km corridor from Devanahalli to Malur. Additional routes include a 52 km stretch from Malur to Heelelige, a 42 km route from Heelelige to Hejjala, and a 43.5 km section from Hejjala to Solur. The railway network will also feature a vital connection between Nidavanda and Chikkabanavara, integrated into the city through the Bangalore Cantonment station.

To support this development, Rs. 7.2 crore has been allocated for the enhancement of key areas, including Malur, Heelelige, and Nidavanda.

The Railway Department has also requested approval for Phase 2 of the suburban railway project, which would extend the network by an additional 146 kilometres, further integrating it with the Circular Railway. Proposed extensions include routes from Chikkaballapur to Kunigal, Chikkabanavara to Dabbaspet, Kengeri to Hejjala, and Heelalige to Anekal Road. The department is currently awaiting approval for these expansions.

ET