Railway Minister has highlighted the critical need for improved technical capabilities within the Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company Limited (K-RIDE) to advance the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP).
Speaking on Sunday, Vaishnaw emphasised that the project’s complexity necessitates a robust technical foundation, which K-RIDE currently lacks. The Minister indicated that he plans to visit Bengaluru in a few weeks to further evaluate the project’s progress and address these technical shortcomings. Officials remarks underscore a key issue identified during his previous review of the BSRP. The project, being a joint venture between the state and central governments, involves significant coordination and technical input. With the state government holding a 51 per cent stake in the initiative, it is imperative that both parties collaborate effectively to overcome the technical challenges faced by K-RIDE. The Minister’s comments reflect a broader concern regarding the capacity of K-RIDE to manage and execute such a complex undertaking without additional technical resources.
In addition to addressing the Bengaluru project, Vaishnaw provided an update on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. He reported substantial progress, with 327 kilometres of viaduct already completed and the undersea tunnel work underway. The ambitious bullet train project is on track, with the initial section expected to commence in 2026. Vaishnaw’s statements indicate a positive outlook for the high-speed rail initiative, even as he calls for critical improvements in Bengaluru’s suburban rail infrastructure to ensure similar success.
