Bangalore Suburban Rail Project faces hurdles amid SWR-KRIDE land acquisition dispute

Bangalore Suburban Rail Project: A transformative suburban rail project holds huge promise for Bengaluru, progressing in four phases. However, the ongoing conflict between South Western Railway (SWR) and Rail Infrastructure Development Company Limited-Karnataka (KRIDE) over land acquisition is currently hampering the progress of the project.

Courtesy: Times Of India

Bengaluru, Dec 12: Recent reports indicate a disagreement between SWR and KRIDE regarding land acquisition for the Bangalore Suburban Rail Project Fourth Corridor (Helilige-Rajanakunte). Despite KRIDE inviting tenders for the 46km Heilalige-Rajanukunte corridor (Kanakalain) last January, the awarding of leases has stalled due to the non-availability of land from SWR, as reported by TOI.

The fourth corridor, the longest in the suburban rail project, faced initial hurdles but has significant potential by connecting Heilaligi in the southeast to Rajakunte in the north.

Railway officials had earlier said that once the entire corridor network is completed, it will be very useful for those working in areas like Bommasandra Industrial Area and Electronics City.

Land Availability Challenges:

According to a K-RAID official, 80 percent of the land identified for lease should be available. Although in the previous board meeting, it was decided to give the lease after getting the K-Ride train, SWR has not provided the required land.

The official remained optimistic, saying discussions are on with the authorities concerned and assured that the contract will be awarded soon.

Dimensions of the revised plan:

Initially estimated at 326 acres for the 148 km suburban rail network, the Comprehensive Plan Report (DPR) now indicates an increased requirement of 351 acres. The Baiyappanahalli-Chikkabanavara Corridor construction work, which initially required 53 acres, has expanded to 157 acres.

Similarly, the land requirement of Rajanakunte Corridor has increased from 115 acres to 194 acres. In response to these changes, Bangalore South Western Railway has sought guidance from the Central Railway Ministry on land transfer, awaiting response.

The K-Ride officials have expressed confidence that the work of the Telalige-Rajanakunte corridor is expected to start soon and the necessary land will be acquired soon.

Latest Trending