Railway Extension Proposals to Bangalore suburbs to IT Hub
Realty prices in the suburban areas are seeing a steady rise with the development of the metro services. Many citizen groups in the city have now come up with the suggestion of addressing railway connectivity which can connect the suburbs to the central IT hub.
The metro has no doubt made a positive impact in improving connectivity in Bangalore. However, many citizen groups have now made suggestions on making use of the unused infrastructure of Bangalore, the railways to improve connectivity from the suburbs to the IT hub.
According to the statistics provided by the Whitefield Export Promotion Park Industrial Association (WEPPIA), more than 3 lakh people who are working in the IT hub travel to white field every day. Several manufacturing and textile segments are located in this area whose estimated figures will see mind boggling.
Suggestions offered: Making use of the already existing infrastructure would help citizens in a great way saving commuting time. Starting new train services along the railway lines already laid or aligning the timing of other existing trains to the peak hours can significantly cover the Ramanagaram to Whitefield belt helping workers travel to the IT hub saving precious time. Railway tracks already exist and all it requires is some additional planning and enforcement.
Apart from the WEPPIA, the WACIA and the textile association have also voiced their suggestions and demands for MEMU trains (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) which is a commuter rail system operated in the rural and semi-urban areas. They have met Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda with the proposal.
Upcoming Plans: The Railway Minister has already sanctioned the demand for MEMU trains and its services are expected to start by December 3rd, 2014.
Many citizens have further proposed of extending railway services from Ramanagara to Majestic till Whitefield as well as the introduction of new trains during peak hours to ply between Bangalore City – Yeshwantpur – Yelahanka and Whitefield.
Concerned officials have been given the responsibility of coming up with efficient and viable plans that can help implement the project as soon as possible, mentions a spokesperson from WEPPIA.
Other extensions will then be made to Bangalore Cantonment and Bangalore City Station with a functional platform at Hoody.
Railway connectivity is expected to increase real estate prices in the suburban areas and will have a far reaching impact enabling commuters to reach to the IT hub from suburbs in no time.
Source: The Economic Times
