MoS Somanna says circular rail project for Bengaluru shelved due to rising costs

BENGALURU: Minister of State for Railways V Somanna has said that the proposed circular rail project for Bengaluru has been shelved for now, as costs are projected to reach Rs 1 lakh crore, far-exceeding initial estimates. However, mobility experts have urged not to abandon the plan, calling it crucial for improving regional connectivity and easing congestion. They suggest that the project can still be made viable through integration with other infrastructure projects such as the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) and the Bengaluru Suburban Rail network, as well as by using existing railway alignments to reduce costs. Speaking to TNIE , mobility expert Sanjeev Dyammanavar pointed out that the state government is already planning the PRR and has left space for Metro provisions along certain stretches. Since the PRR intersects existing railway lines at several points like Tumakuru line, Bidadi, Doddaballapur, Chikkaballapur, and others it makes sense to optimise alignments. By integrating the PRR with the Circular Rail and using existing government land wherever possible, both cost and land acquisition hurdles can be reduced, he said. He added that the project need not be implemented in one go. The Circular Rail can be developed phase by phase, so that the financial burden doesnt fall at once. A single-track system with crossing stations at 5-8 km intervals could reduce costs by 30-50%, he explained. Also by integrating with Suburban Rail, cost of Rakes & maintenance can be optimised, which will reduce project cost. The expert further noted that while the Metro caters primarily to urban commuters, the Circular Rail would serve industrial workers and rural passengers, similar to a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). They dont need Metro-type services, but fast and affordable connectivity, he said, suggesting exploring the use of NICE Road corridors between Bengaluru and Mysuru for railway alignment, wherever feasible. The state and Union governments should not abandon this project, he stressed, adding, If optimised and integrated with suburban and PRR routes, the Circular Rail can become a long-term, cost-effective solution for Bengalurus mobility and regional development. Rail activist Krishna Prasad said the project is already decades behind. It should have been implemented three decades ago. Land acquisition would have been easy then. Now, its difficult and expensive because every area has been built up, he said, adding that the project requires strong coordination and realistic fare-setting. He said the project could have been implemented in stages say, Hebbal to Anekal first, then Anekal to Bidadi gradually covering the circle. If implemented despite all hurdles, it would be a great project. But if its shelved again, its a huge loss , he said. He further added that if the project is implemented, people would be able to travel from Bidadi to Anekal or Hebbal to Tumakuru without entering the city, which would reduce a lot of traffic.