Bengaluru MPs may go to Delhi to push for suburban rail

BENGALURU: Under criticism over the delay in implementation of suburban rail, Bengaluru MPs have decided to approach the Centre seeking fast-tracking of the project.
South Western Railway officials on Monday held a meeting with members of Parliament from Bengaluru division. While MPs raised questions about the status of the project, the railways said no progress has been made.
Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan said the government has approved the revised DPR of the project in August.“It will now go to the expanded railway board, NITI Aayog, ministry of finance and cabinet committee on economic affairs for approvals. I will go to Delhi soon to get them,” he said.
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya said they will meet railway minister Piyush Goyal and minister of state for railways Suresh Angadi to facilitate clearances of the project.
Separately, the MPs urged the railways to operate additional local trains. Mohan demanded more commuter services in the morning between Bengaluru City and Whitefield and improving their punctuality.
The railways, however, said the section is saturated and additional trains can be planned after quadrupling. Referring to Mohan’s demand for second entry at Whitefield station from Kadugodi bus stand side, the railways said work on the new foot overbridge will be completed by March 2020.
“Existing infrastructure of railway stations, especially Nayandahalli, needs to be upgraded. The approach road to Nayandahalli station is non-existent. Platforms and walkways have to be redeveloped on priority. We will hold a joint meeting with BBMP and railway officials to redevelop the station,” said Surya.
Tumakuru MP GS Basavaraj sought for fast-tracking of automatic signalling between Bengaluru and Tumkuru rail corridor.
Chikkaballapura MP Bache Gowda suggested that the suburban railway project be extended to Bangarapet, Gauribidanur, Chikkaballapura, Kunigal and Tumakuru. However, railway officials said: “Sanctioned corridors will be taken up once necessary approvals are received. Any extension can be considered in subsequent phases.”