suburban train

KIA

broad-gauge tracks

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TAKE A TRAIN TO AIRPORT?

ACCORD TOP PRIORITY, CENTRE TELLS STATE

The much-delayednetwork in Bengaluru got a fillip with Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy instructing the Chief Secretary to get all the necessary clearances for the project. Recently, RITES, an engineering consultancy company, has sent a draft proposal on the sub-urban network. As per the proposal, it is projected that the suburban trains will have a total daily ridership of 9.28 lakh in 2025 and may even go up to 16.83 lakh by 2041. The report also says that suburban trains will take care of the city’s long-term traffic needs. Direct connectivity to(airport) through suburban rail system is also recommended.The suburban train and track will be designed in such a way that it can travel up to 90 kmph though the average speed is likely to be only 32 kmph. The trains, with six cars, will be in operation between 5 am and midnight. The suburban corridors will consist of(1,676 mm) running parallel to the existing tracks, while in many places, it’s elevated. The total capital cost of the project, including GST and land cost, is estimated at 19,498.91 crore. The operation and maintenance cost for the first year of operation is estimated at Rs 711 crore. The economic Internal Rate of Returns (EIRR) is estimated at 17.38%. The proposed network of suburban rail of 161 km will be divided into four corridors.There are space constraints for laying the additional tracks. There are many private buildings on the edge of the railway boundary on Kengeri-Bengaluru City Railway Station and on Bengaluru City-Bengaluru Cantonment corridor. In some of the places, religious shrines are constructed either in railway boundary or just adjacent to railway boundaries on Kengeri-Bengaluru city section and Hebbal/Banaswadi section corridors. For executing the project, there is a need to acquire private lands of about around 64.83 acres. Of this, there is a need to acquire railway land of around 1,435 acres. Many sub-surface, surface and overhead utility services (sewers, water mains, storm water drains, gas pipe lines, telephone/ communication cables, overhead power transmission lines, power cables and traffic signals exist all along the proposed alignment. These need to be either shifted or removed. Apart from the above utilities, South Western Railway’s huge network of traction power cables, traction power installations, DC and AC traction substations, signal and telecommunication cables, traction OHE masts and structures, signal posts, power supply cubicles, location boxes etc. are spread along and across the entire alignment.The Sangolli Rayanna Bengaluru City Railway station will see many changes once the suburban trains are introduced. There are two sides and one island platform for this proposed elevated station is planned for four lines. At this location, two lines are for Bengaluru City to Rajanakunte corridor and two lines are for Kengeri to White Field. One entry/exit at the left side will be placed to access passengers from left side and passengers from Metro station. On the right, connectivity shall be placed at a suitable place either outside of the existing station or on a suitable platform, ie, the first platform of the existing station. The central connectivity will be with existing foot overbridge. This connectivity will be through paid area so ticketing and AFC gates are provided there. Another connectivity will be with the existing FOB some distance away from the station building. This connectivity will be from unpaid concourse area with existing FOB.Separate bays for private vehicles (cars and two-wheelers), auto and taxis will be provided in addition to parking. A minor road, with 9m width, has been proposed to be connected to the main road (Old Mysore Road) to provide connectivity to the station from west side.Parking area has been proposed on the existing railway ground due to unavailability of space. There is an existing skywalk which connects Metro station with Bus Terminal. It has been proposed to extend this skywalk to connect the station foot over bridge.Since the proposed alignment is almost running parallel to the existing line, planning of construction of new lines are to be finalised strictly in consultation with the Railways. Hence, the construction activities may be taken up in phases to minimise the operational constraints / line block. This means there may be a delay in the construction phase. More than 60 per cent of proposed alignment is within the metropolitan city limits.Hence, shift-wise construction has been proposed to avoid peak-hour road traffic as materials and equipment’s must be brought to the construction site only by road.The RITES report also proposes the following stations can be used for real estate development; Bengaluru city railway station (opposite to Krishna Mill), Cantonment, Yeshwanthpur, Channasandra, Baiyappanahalli, Chikkabanavara and Devanahalli.The report strongly bats for train connectivity to airport. The report mentions the link (from Trumpet Interchange to airport) will be of about 6 km in length (4 km-underground, 1 km elevated and 1 km at grade). Two stations have been proposed at KIA; one at Cargo Terminal (at grade) and second one at the Airport below the parking (Underground). Approximate cost of this airport connectivity is about Rs 1,500 crore. “It is understood that the airport authorities are not in favour of Metro system to be elevated in front of the airport, as airport authorities are planning to establish a dedicated passenger communication hub in front of the present entrance of Airport,” the report adds.* Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has pushed for expediting the suburban railway network for Bengaluru city and called upon the state government to give early clearance to facilitate implementation of the project* l A delegation, led by former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, met Goyal on Thursday* l Goyal said the state government should work expeditiously and give clearance and agree for grant of higher FSI (floor space index), TDR (transfer of developments rights) to fund railway’s share of project.