Bengaluru outskirts to get 287 km circular rail network

To address the traffic issues in the city, the Ministry of Railways has put forward a proposal to establish a circular rail network spanning approximately 287 km on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The envisaged network, encircling Bengaluru city, is set to link Nidvanda-Doddaballapur (40.9 km), Doddaballapur-Devanahalli (28.5 km), Devanahalli-Malur (46.5 km), Malur-Heelalige (52 km), Hejjala-Solur (43.5 km), Solur-Nidavanda (34.2 km), and Hejjala-Heelalagi (42 km). Following a comprehensive review meeting with department officials on Monday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conveyed, The Union government has already allocated Rs 7 crore for the initiation of a pre-feasibility study and an alignment study. Subsequently, the detailed project report (DPR) and a spot survey for the project will be undertaken. While the suburban railway project is underway through a collaborative effort between the Centre and the State, the circular railway and the enhancement of all the ingress and egress points of the city will be overseen by the Railway Ministry. He further stated, Bengaluru holds global significance, and its development is being observed worldwide. Our vision for the city's development extends to the next 40 to 50 years. We are contemplating the implementation of a circular railway system for the city. This project adopts a ring railway model, ensuring comprehensive connectivity as the city evolves over the next 30 to 40 years. With 10 inward connections and a complete ring spanning a network of 287 km, the project is currently in the survey phase, he elaborated.