Can Centre's BRIDE counter Siddaramaiah's suburban trains?

Union Minister Ananth Kumar has proposed setting up Bengaluru Railway Infrastructure Development Enterprises (BRIDE). He was speaking at the launch of various civil works for over 20 projects at different parts of the State by video conference by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu. Ananth Kumar was at the Byappanahalli railway station for the launch of DEMU suburban train service between Byappanahalli and Whitefield and said he would discuss with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, about establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with grants of both State and the Central Governments, reported Kannada Prabha.

The Bengaluru’s dense traffic can be curtailed only by sub urban trains and local trains like in Mumbai.  He is ready to take a delegation of people’s representatives from the City to meet the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister, he said.  For the extension of suburban trains between Bengaluru and Hosuru, doubling and electrification of 54 km. a detailed project report (DPR) has already been submitted in this regard.

There is provision to add 50 more train services.  By doubling and automatic signalling between Yeshwanthapur-Byappaanahalli - Channasandra total 104 additional services can be provided. As a result DEMU and MEMU services can be started to Kempegowda International Airport. If the State Government grants the 40 acres of NGEF land and 9.6 acres of Binny Mill, MEMU regulation unit and other regulation units can be set up said Ananthakumar.

Minister K J George said Mumbai local trains are maintained Indian Railway.  Chennai local trains also received grants from Central Government. Then why the State is not granted any funds, he asked.  

The suburban ratio of 80:20 is too heavy a burden on the State and repaying the loan is going to be a major responsibility. Centre’s suburban railway policy is very stringent for implementation and the Centre must facilitate the utility of the existing railway infrastructure. The State Government is hence not depending on the suburban trains and is implementing Metro at a quick pace, he said.

MP P C Mohan said traffic on Mahadevapura is very dense and there is a need to increase the number of trains between Byappanahalli and Whitefield. Full fledged suburban trains will facilitate 35 lakh commuters daily and urged the State Government to sign the SPV at the earliest.

Flagging off the sub urban trains between Byappanahalli and Whitefield via video conference from Delhi, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the railways will be developed into ultra modern service.  

The coach factory at Yadagir is a part of the Swachh Bharath and Make in India projects. Karnataka is a significant state for Indian railway and efforts would be made for integrated railway development in the State.

• Suburban trains for Bengaluru
• Bengaluru train
• suburban train
• Karnataka
• BRIDE