The Bengaluru suburban Rail Project is India’s most integrated Suburban Rail project. BSRP will link Bengaluru to its satellite townships, suburbs, surrounding rural areas and provide a state-of-the-art, mass Rail based Transit system. Dr.M.B. Patil, Minister for Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, is the visionary behind this project, who believes that the project has the potential to transform the region and create new opportunities for growth and development of the state. SAMPARKA- the BSRP bi-monthly newsletter- is glad to get in touch with Dr. M.B Patil, as he speaks in “PERISCOPE” : An exclusive interview on BSRP .
1. According to you, how would this project benefit people and state?
The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project aims to enhance transportation, economic opportunities and quality of life for people in Bengaluru and the surrounding area. BSRP will have easier access to key areas of the city, reducing traffic congestion and travel time. This will also make it easier for businesses to transport goods and services, boosting the local economy. Improved transportation and economic opportunities are two of the direct benefits of this project for the community. It will reduce carbon footprints and provide a sustainable mobility solution to more than 10 lakh daily passengers in 2026. The vision for the project is one that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and innovation having the motto of Connecting Rural to urban, global to local. In addition, the project is expected to create new jobs in a variety of industries, from construction to hospitality. This will provide much-needed employment opportunities for local residents, helping to reduce unemployment rates and improve overall quality of life. Investment in transport infrastructure is bound to have a ‘multiplier-effect’ on growth of the state. BSRP will be a game changer for ‘Brand Karnataka’.
2. In 2022, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for BSRP and it was expected to be completed in 2026. Would you say that the project will be completed as scheduled? What is the timeline for the BSRP project?
The foundation stone laying ceremony by PM Narendra Modi in 2022 was a significant milestone for the project, and the expected completion date of 2026 is an optimistic but achievable goal. A Civil engineer myself, I understand, such public infrastructure projects have a long gestation period. There is a lot of progress being made now. The teams are on track to meet their deadlines. The progress is being made with the help of new technologies and moreefficient processes. Government is focusing on resolving bottlenecks, speeding up the project and ensuring that it can be completed on time. On 11th august 2023 along with my cabinet colleague, Shri. KJ George, Energy minister, Govt of Karnataka we conducted a site inspection of construction works of corridor 2 and I have directed K-RIDE officials to take swift steps for rapid implementation of K-RIDE project. It is important to acknowledge the challenges of the project so that it stays on track and is completed on time.
3. What are the major challenges and issues facing the BSRP project?
As I have already told, BSRP, is a multi- stakeholder project. It involves continuous coordination at various levels- international, national, state and local. On site, BSRP is a green field project along side a brown field; i.e. it involves construction of 2 dedicated tracks alongside live railway tracks. Safety is of paramount importance, and then there are usual initial challenges any project of this magnitude encounters, land availability, land acquisition, access to funds,adapting technological innovations etc. Government is now focusing on resolving bottlenecks, speeding up the project and ensuring that it can be completed on time.
4. What is your observation during the review meeting and site inspection of corridor 2?
I observed that this project is a much needed relief to the traffic woes of the city and hence calls for a speedy implementation. I am confident that K-RIDE team has the necessary resources and skills to complete the project on time. I urge them to remain focused and committed. I am confident that this project will bring positive changes to the lives of people living in Bengaluru and surrounding areas.
5. What is the status of the proposal of BSRP- phase 2 ?
Having realized the potential of the project, in the very first review meeting held on 21 sep 2023, I proposed to extend the approved BSRP corridors to further connect nearby satellite towns & industrial areas like Mysore, Magadi, Tumkur, Dabaspet, Doddaballapura, Gowribidanur, Bangarpet. As per “National Suburban Rail Policy, 2018”Feasibility studies for suburban projects, duly considering the technical requirements, site feasibility and operational requirements, shall generally be carried out by Indian Railways on the request of State Govt. On 26.06.23, K-RIDE Board has granted “in-principal approval” to take up Pre-feasibility study for extension by 452 Kms, as BSRP Phase-2 and suggested to take prior approval of Railway Board. K-RIDE requested GM/SWR on 04.07.23 to process for Ministry of Railway approval for taking up the study.