Bengaluru: An agreement was signed between Ministry of Railways and Government of Karnataka on Jan. 16, 2017 for development of a Suburban Rail System in Bengaluru. It has now been decided by Ministry of Railways that the following works will be under taken in this regard.

1. 15 pairs of short distance Passenger trains that are presently running will be converted with 12 Car MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) extended rakes. Estimated cost of this conversion is Rs. 327.79 crores.
2. Enhancement of maintenance facilities for MEMU services at Banasawadi shed at cost of Rs. 29.45 crores.

Above two projects will be taken up on 80:20 cost sharing basis between Government of Karnataka and Ministry of Railways and these projects will be implemented by Railways.

These 15 pairs of trains are operating between KSR Bengaluru – Bangarapet/Marikuppam, Bengaluru – Jolarpettai, Bengaluru Cantt. – Bangarapet, Bengaluru – Mysuru and Bengaluru – Hindupur.

 

The MEMU electric traction increases the passenger carrying capacity, results in better utilisation of line capacity, fuel efficiency with enhanced performance. 15 short distance passenger trains are equivalent to 9 rakes. Out of the 15 approved, two MEMU rakes shall be provided during the current financial year and remaining seven MEMU rakes shall be provided in 2018-19 from manufacturing units of Indian Railways.

The project of enhancement of maintenance facilities for MEMU services at Banasawadi shall be taken up after approval of the work in supplementary budget, 2017-18 of Central Government.

In the last three years, many inputs have been given by Railways to cater for the needs of passengers for travelling around Bengaluru. 8 pairs of new services have been introduced and following services have been extended.