Bangalore misses date with suburban trains, minister blames state

Union minister of state for railways KH Muniyappa termed the railway budget as a historic one for Karnataka.

While many trains have been introduced, new projects will also be set up in state, including a coach manufacturing unit in Kolar. Trains will be extended and survey for new lines will be undertaken.

But he pointed that the implementation of these projects, including the much-awaited Bangalore-Mysore daily train, will be possible only if there is adequate support from the state government. For track-doubling, land is required. Once land is handed over to the railways, work could be started.

When his attention was drawn to suburban trains for the state, Muniyappa said railways will have to look into the budget documents for this. However, he clarified that the demand of circular trains in Bangalore and surrounding areas is genuine and it is the need of the hour. But this could become a reality only next year as till date, no request has come from the state government.

“We are yet to receive a proposal (from the state government) and, most importantly, land is needed for the project which the government is yet to part with,” he said.

He added that compared to last year, the budget for the state has doubled from `1,000 crore to `2,000 crore this year. This will help in completing and undertaking new projects, he said.