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K-RIDE has requested approval from the Union Ministry of Railways for a feasibility study to integrate the suburban rail expansion with this circular network.
The new routes will connect key locations and form part of the proposed circular rail network around the city.(Photo: The Indian Express)
The Bengaluru suburban rail project is set to expand with a significant 146 km extension under Phase 2.
The new routes will connect key locations and form part of the proposed circular rail network around the city.
Proposed Extensions
According to the Hindustan Times, the Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE), the agency overseeing the suburban rail system, has revealed the new proposed extensions.
These will cover several routes: Devanahalli to Chikkaballapur (18 km), Chikkabanavara to Kunigal (50 km), Chikkabanavara to Dobbaspet (36 km), Kengeri to Hejjala (11 km), Heelalige to Anekal Road (11 km), and Rajanukunte to Oderahalli (20 km).
Progress of Phase 1
Phase 1 of the suburban rail project is already underway, with four corridors stretching across 148 km. These include:
- The 41.4 km Sampige Line, connecting Bengaluru City to the airport and Devanahalli.
- The 25 km Mallige Line, linking Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara.
- The 35.5 km Parijaata Line, connecting Kengeri to Whitefield.
- A 46.25 km stretch from Heelalige to Rajanukunte.
The Circular Rail Network Plan
The Union Ministry of Railways has also proposed a 287 km circular rail network for Bengaluru, connecting key areas such as Nidvanda, Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, Malur, Heelalige, Hejjala, and Solur. A detailed project report (DPR) for this network is in the works.
K-RIDE has requested approval from the Union Ministry of Railways for a feasibility study to integrate the suburban rail expansion with this circular network.
In earlier proposals, K-RIDE had suggested a massive 452 km extension to connect Bengaluru with nearby cities like Mysuru, Tumakuru, Hosur, and Kolar. However, this ambitious plan was turned down by South Western Railway in 2023 due to procedural issues regarding zonal railway approval for new surveys.
