Bengaluru: State govt’s proposal to extend Namma Metro’s Green Line from Madavara to Tumakuru, estimated to cost Rs 20,000 crore under the PPP model, is still under consideration and awaiting approval. In parallel, the railways is exploring a significantly more economical alternative that could improve suburban connectivity between Bengaluru and Tumakuru.Aiming to run more trains and ease congestion, SWR plans to quadruple Bengaluru–Tumakuru rail line through a Rs 2,231.8-crore project that will add third and fourth tracks over nearly 70km.South Western Railway (SWR) officials said train movement on the route has increased substantially over the years, resulting in capacity constraints. Chief public relations officer of SWR, Manjunath Kanamadi, said, “The Bengaluru–Tumakuru quadrupling project will improve suburban rail connectivity by adding two extra railway tracks, increasing corridor capacity. This will allow more frequent suburban trains, fewer delays, better punctuality and faster commuter services by separating suburban traffic from express and freight trains. It will also support the future expansion of Bengaluru’s suburban rail network and help reduce congestion on this corridor.”SWR currently operates seven pairs of MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains on the route. These services connect 13 stations en route, including Chikkabanavara Junction, Dabaspet, Kyathsandra and others. Officials said more than 17,900 passengers use these suburban rail services daily.At Tumakuru railway station, 79 mail/express trains and 29 passenger trains have scheduled stoppages. SWR has also provided a stop for the Vande Bharat Express operating between KSR Bengaluru and Dharwad.State pitches for high-speed regional connectivityDuring his recent visit to Delhi, chief minister DK Shivakumar urged Central govt to sanction Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors, connecting Bengaluru with major suburban centres, including Tumakuru. Other destinations proposed include Mysuru, Kolar, Kanakapura and Chikkaballapur.The state govt has sought high-speed regional connectivity on the lines of the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor. In the past, Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-Ride), which is implementing Bengaluru’s suburban rail project, had sought permission from SWR to conduct feasibility studies for extending suburban rail services from Bengaluru to nearby cities and towns. However, SWR did not entertain the request and instead asked K-Ride to focus on the early execution of the sanctioned 148km suburban rail project within Bengaluru.
