State seeks Centre’s nod for suburban rail project

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday called on Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and sought in-principle approval for implementation of a suburban rail project in Bengaluru and the Centre’s participation in the Bangalore Suburban Rail Co. Ltd.

In a memorandum submitted to Mr. Prabhu, he said the State government has commissioned a study by RITES, which has clearly demonstrated feasibility of the project on available rail infrastructure. The estimated cost is about Rs. 8,500 crore. RITES has submitted the detailed project report after consultation with many stakeholders, including Railways. It would be shared with the Centre soon, the Chief Minister said. While the Centre has invested in sub-urban rail projects in Mumbai and Hyderabad, only Bengaluru has been left out.

Bengaluru contributes almost 40 per cent of software exports, which is a one of the major sources of foreign exchange earnings for the country. The CM also urged the Centre to clear other pending rail projects.

‘It will greatly reduce congestion in the city’