New Delhi, Mar 21 (UNI) Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday confirmed that six pairs of MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train services currently being operated between Bengaluru Cantonment and Yesvantpur to Kempegowda International Airport station.
These services run from 05:10 hrs to 19:23 hrs. The expansion of these services will continue to evolve based on traffic demand, feasibility, and available resources, the Minister stated.
Vaishnaw responded to concerns raised by Rajya Sabha MP Jaggesh regarding affordable public transport to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). He assured that the ongoing initiatives will significantly enhance connectivity to the airport.
Upon completion, the BSRP will provide direct suburban train access to both terminals (Terminal 1 & 2) of the airport from various key locations in the city. Interchange facilities with Indian Railways and Namma Metro will also be available at strategic locations. The timeline for the completion of this project is contingent upon land acquisition, environmental clearances, and infrastructure relocation.
In an effort to further boost connectivity, the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) has been sanctioned. This project, which is jointly funded by Karnataka government and the Ministry of Railways, is being executed by the Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (KRIDE).
The project will comprise four corridors: KSR Bengaluru City to Devanahalli (41.4 km), Baiyyapanahalli to Chikkabanawara (25.01 km), Kengeri to Whitefield (35.52 km), and Heelalige to Rajankunte (46.25 km).
In response to a separate query from MP Narayana Koragappa regarding the Chikkabanavara-Hassan electrification project, the Railway Minister confirmed that the electrification of the 165 km railway line between Chikkabanavara (BAW) and Hassan (HAS), with a sanctioned cost of Rs 188 crore, has been successfully completed.
For the 2025-26 financial year, an allocation of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for further development of the project. The transmission line for the Shravanabelagola Traction Sub-Station is awaiting approval from Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL).
The Railway Ministry also urged Karnataka government to expedite the clearance process to ensure smooth system operations. Additionally, the upgradation of Overhead Equipment (OHE) is an ongoing process based on operational and traffic requirements.
The successful electrification of the Chikkabanavara-Hassan section marks a significant step towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the region's railway network.
UNI BDN CS