Whitefield is likely to get an elevated suburban rail link from the central business district. (Representational Image)
Photo : Times Now
Bengaluru: In a move set to further enhance Bengaluru’s connectivity, plans are underway for an elevated suburban rail link connecting the central business district to the tech hub of Whitefield. This development comes following the recent introduction of the Namma Metro elevated corridor in the area.
The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (KRIDE), responsible for implementing the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), is considering the construction of a 17-kilometre elevated line between Cantonment and Whitefield. This elevated link is envisioned to replace the predominantly at-grade rail line initially proposed as part of the BSRP.
Originally, the Parijatha line (Corridor-3 of BSRP) was slated to run from Kengeri to Whitefield via Majestic and Cantonment. However, challenges related to interoperability have arisen due to differences in signalling systems between KRIDE and South Western Railway (SWR), which operates in the region.
To address these challenges, RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) has been tasked with studying the issue and proposing solutions. One option being explored is the construction of an elevated corridor after the Cantonment station, utilising the communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling system.
Another possibility involves building tracks parallel to SWR’s existing infrastructure, although this approach presents logistical hurdles due to the need for significant land acquisition and potential disruptions to developed areas along the alignment.
KRIDE advocates for proceeding with construction from Kengeri to Cantonment as per the original plans, with tracks laid alongside SWR’s operational lines. The proposed 13 stations along the 35-kilometre route, including terminal points and key locations such as Jnana Bharathi, KSR Bengaluru, and Whitefield, will be integrated with both SWR and Namma Metro stations.
As per a Times of India report, SWR, which has made significant progress on the quadrupling works along the 19-kilometre stretch, aims to complete the project by mid-2025, with a sanctioned budget close to Rs 500 crore.
The proposed elevated suburban rail link promises to bolster connectivity and accessibility for commuters, particularly benefiting residents and workers in Bengaluru’s bustling tech hub of Whitefield.
