The completion of the entire network of metro rail in Bangalore may be a long way off, but the Railways has stepped in to lessen the burden of techies in the city with the decision to increase the frequency of electric trains connecting the peripheries.
Union Railway Minister D Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday announced the increase in frequency of mainline electric multiple unit or MEMU train services from Bangalore to Ramanagaram six days a week (three pairs) and diesel electric multiple units (DEMU) from Bangalore to Nelamangala daily. Another train frequency, which has been increased is that of Yesvantpur- Hosur to six days a week.
Gowda said in his budget speech that Bangalore has a large body of commuters from surrounding rural areas and towns, necessitating better connectivity.
“Study to explore the possibility of enhancing the existing IR network of Bangalore for meeting the needs will be taken up. In addition, to cater to the demand of passenger traffic in Bangalore area, Byyappanahalli will be developed as a coach terminal,” he added.
Gowda, a former Chief Minister of Karnataka, also announced sanctioning of many speed trains and introduction of new trains as demanded by the State.
“I am happy to announce that the survey for Mysore-Kushalnagar portion of Mysore-Kushalnagar-Madikeri new line has been completed and the State government has agreed to share cost of the project. This will provide rail connectivity to important tourist destinations in Kodagu (Coorg). I propose to pursue this project for obtaining requisite approvals after completion of remaining survey up to Madikeri,” he added.
One tourist train will run from Gadag to Pandarpur via Bagalkot, Bijapur and Solapur covering the pilgrim and tourist places of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Another such train will start from Rameshwaram, covering pilgrim and tourist places such as Bangalore.
The Railways also announced plans to increase the speed of Mysore-Bangalore-Chennai train to 160-200 kmph.
To give a boost to rail movement of fruits and vegetables in partnership with the Central Rail Warehousing Corporation (CRWC), requisite facilities of temperature controlled storages at 10 locations in the country, including Navlur near Hubli, has also been sanctioned.