High Speed Rail Link project to link Bengaluru airport by 2013

Bangalore Airport Rail Link (BARL) has proposed to set up Rs 6,000-crore High Speed Rail Link (HSRL), to come by 2013. This dedicated mass transit project will complement the proposed toll expressway being constructed by NHAI that promises to make the drive to Devanahalli a smooth and speedy affair. Now with HSRL passengers heading for the Bengaluru International Airport will be able to reach Devanahalli in 25 minutes flat. BARL is awaiting legal clearance from the Centre on modifications to the Mysore Tramways Act 1905 to implement the ambitious mass transit project. It is in talks with the ministry of urban development and the Planning Commission on draft modifications to be effected to the Mysore Tramways Act 1905, as the HSRL would extend beyond the limits of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), which has been entrusted with the task of acquiring land, is also scheduled to begin notification of the 65.95-hectare land for the project in December. The project will implemented on a public-private partnership (PPP) model and on a DBFOT (Design-Build-Finance-Operate and Transfer) basis. BARL will announce the selected concessionaire which has to then submit a Request for Proposal RFP) soon and has completed the process of shortlisting five consortia after a Request for Qualification process. Contact: Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board Tel: 080-2221 1066, Fax: 080-2221 7702 Website: www.kiadb.in