Bengaluru Suburban Rail Phase 2: 146 km Expansion to Ease City Traffic

The Bengaluru suburban rail network is set for a major expansion with Phase 2, which will cover an additional 146 kilometers, connecting various parts of the city and integrating with the proposed circular rail network. The project, spearheaded by the Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-RIDE), aims to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the city.

The new extensions in Phase 2 will include several key routes:

Devanahalli to Chikkaballapur (18 km)

Chikkabanavara to Kunigal (50 km)

Chikkabanavara to Dobbaspet (36 km)

Kengeri to Hejjala (11 km)

Heelalige to Anekal Road (11 km)

Rajanukunte to Oderahalli (20 km)

These additions will expand the suburban rail system, which already includes four corridors totaling 148 km. These are:

Sampige Line (41.4 km) connecting KSR Bengaluru City, Bengaluru Airport, and Devanahalli

Mallige Line (25 km) connecting Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara

Parijaata Line (35.5 km) linking Kengeri and Whitefield

Heelalige to Rajanukunte (46.25 km)

The planned circular rail network, which is proposed by the Union Ministry of Railways, will be a major addition, connecting key areas around the city. The circular rail will cover 287 km and include routes such as:

Nidvanda-Doddaballapur (40.9 km)

Doddaballapur-Devanahalli (28.5 km)

Devanahalli-Malur (46.5 km)

Malur-Heelalige (52 km)

Hejjala-Solur (43.5 km)

Solur-Nidavanda (34.2 km)

Hejjala-Heelalige (42 km)

K-RIDE has asked the Union Ministry of Railways for approval to carry out a feasibility study to expand the suburban rail and link it with the circular rail. Once the study is completed, a detailed project report (DPR) will be prepared.

In the past, K-RIDE proposed a 452 km expansion of the suburban rail network to connect Bengaluru with nearby towns like Chikkaballapur, Kolar, and Tumakuru. However, this proposal was rejected last year by the South Western Railway (SWR).

Rail enthusiast Pruthvin Reddy praised the expansion plan, saying it will help reduce traffic congestion and provide better connectivity for satellite towns. He believes the integrated suburban and circular rail network will be a significant boost for Bengaluru’s transport system.