De-congesting the Overcrowded Rail Network in Bengaluru
Oversees within India, one of its biggest boom towns is about to experience the largest extended busy time clocked as Bengalaru has seen infrastructures developing rapidly over its railway system, which go on experiencing a continued series of inflow of population, besides what was undertaken through other travel mediums.
Recently, plans were issued for the new Devanahalli Railway terminal to address city center stations largely with much rush being thrown here at each hour and which creates problems. Other strategic infrastructure projects include expanding platforms of KSR Bengaluru station as well as having a circular railway network that is going to elevate the overall experience with the railway within the city.
Devanahalli Railway Terminal: An Answer to Congestion
Devanahalli Railway Station, located 40 kilometre from the core city will make an important railway station for unloading some crowd congestion that hits city railway stations. A new terminal is very useful for meeting higher passengers with minimal congesting present already overcrowding KSR Bengaluru and Yesvantpur Railway stations. All passengers might feel good because there could be extra more space developed between trains while coming without getting into heavy crowd problems mostly at peak time hours.
V Somanna, who visited other railway stations like Hoodi Halt, Whitefield and Carmelaram said that the infrastructure should be developed outside the city core to make the flow of people both inwards and outwards from the city balanced. The new terminal at Devanahalli is part of a more comprehensive plan of connectivity improvements and enhancing the functioning mechanism of the Bengaluru railway network.
Key Infrastructure Projects to Support the Growing Rail Needs of Bengaluru
Other than the new terminal at Devanahalli, major improvement work is going on in other areas of the railway infrastructure of Bengaluru, considering its increasing needs. The Railway Ministry has set aside Rs 1,200 crore for developing the KSR Bengaluru station. The upgrading under the PPP model is expected to add two new platforms for accommodating more trains and passengers.
Two more platforms will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 180 crore at KSR Bengaluru station. This would ease the crowd that gathers in one of the busiest stations of Bengaluru during rush hours. The more the number of platforms, the more the smooth movement and quicker turnaround of trains will ensure efficiency for the station.
Circular Railway and Suburban Corridors in Bengaluru
Another giant leap for connectivity is the planned 280 km circular railway network for Bengaluru. This is planned to be constructed as a circular railway that connects the different parts of the city by efficient and quick rail services. According to V Somanna, the circular railway will have the rising passenger traffic of the city providing it with a faster alternative to the congested roadways.
It is also scheduled to be ready by March 2027 for the two sub-urban corridors from Benniganahalli to Chikkabanavara of 25 km and from Heelalige to Rajanukunte of 46.8 km. The sub-urban corridors will allow the primary localities of the city to decongest and minimize reliance on road transport frequently slow and plagued by jamming.
Whitefield Quadrupling
The other major project is the quadruplication of the railway line connecting Bengaluru Cantonment and Whitefield. Railway quadruplication is a work in progress, where the two major parts of the city will boast of great connectivity. Higher quadrupling will permit running trains in parallel with a higher capacity; thus less delay and the overall enhanced capacity of the line.
Infrastructural Challenges
Despite the positive progress, MoS for Railways V Somanna identified some of the challenges, mainly relating to rainwater drainage. Because Bengaluru is exposed to heavy rainfalls, good water drainage systems must be part of the railway infrastructure so as not to cause flooding and other inconveniences. The Minister stated that strong solutions must be designed to control runoff water, thereby not allowing railway systems to be affected during the rainy season.
The government is working to enhance the connectivity through roads by developing Road Over Bridges (ROBs), Road Under Bridges (RUBs), underpasses, and water vents. This will ease the traffic flow along with the regulation of rainwater. Thus, it is an efficient as well as safe commuting area.
Conclusion: A Holistic Effort in Developing Bengaluru Rail Infrastructure
This will greatly transform the railway network in Bengaluru and assist it in decongesting and connecting. The major visions include the Devanahalli terminal, expansion of KSR Bengaluru station, new suburban rail corridors, and the critical railway lines that have been upgraded. With a focus on technology, efficient infrastructure, and overcoming environmental challenges, these initiatives will likely enhance the rail transport experience in Bengaluru.
With these projects, the railway services in Bengaluru will become better, the management of passengers will be enhanced, and connectivity will become more reliable. If comprehensive upgrades in infrastructure are invested, then the city will eventually lead to a strong railway network that will be capable of supporting the population growth of the city.
Refer :
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For more updates on the latest developments in the Indian Railway sector, check out our article on Katra-Budgam Rail Trial Run: Major Milestone for USBRL