Circular Railway project to undergo route change?

Time of India

09-06-2025

Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project
K-RIDE
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The much-anticipated Circular Railway project, designed to enhance connectivity to and around Bengaluru, may undergo significant realignment. Originally proposed to stretch between Devanahalli and Anekal, the revised plan extends the route's total length from 34 km to 39 km, reflecting critical changes in alignment and regional considerations. The earlier proposed Malur–Anekal corridor has now been altered due to objections from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, as parts of the previous alignment fell under its jurisdiction. To resolve this, the new route will pass through key emerging localities such as Swiss Town, Infosys Headquarters at Sarjapur, and Dodda Thimmasandra, eventually linking Lakkur and Hosahalli. This section, which was initially 21 km long, has now been extended to 23 km.Sources said that further changes have been implemented along the Malur–Devanahalli stretch as well. In D Shettihalli, a planned real estate development over 100 acres has necessitated minor diversions to the route. In Channarayapatna, the earlier route passed through Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) land, which now hosts several industrial units. To avoid disruption, the alignment will bypass the developed industrial zones and instead connect via Bendigannahalli and Thimmanahalli to the proposed rail terminal at Devanahalli. Consequently, the length of this stretch has increased from 13.01 km to 15.06 km.Looking ahead, the Circular Railway project will work in tandem with the(BSRP) to provide a seamless transit network across the city and its outskirts. A detailed feasibility study is being conducted to examine integration possibilities between these two major projects. Similar to the metro system within the city core, this suburban and circular railway system will play a vital role in connecting the outer districts to Bengaluru, offering a reliable mass transit alternative. To coordinate and evaluate this integration,(Karnataka Railway Infrastructure Development Company) is conducting a feasibility assessment to ensure that the circular rail complements the ongoing suburban railway developments.'The Circular Railway project around Bengaluru is being proposed as a sustainable and long-term solution to the city's growing traffic and mobility challenges,' said Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna. He noted that a detailed survey has already been conducted, which highlighted some implementation hurdles. 'The proposed network, covering approximately 271 kilometres, is designed to link Bengaluru's peripheral areas and integrate seamlessly with the upcoming Suburban Railway and National Highways,' he said. The project aims to ensure smoother and more efficient transportation for both commuters and industries. About 2,500 acres of land will be required for the project, and the entire cost will be borne by the central government. The initiative is being developed with a 50-year infrastructure outlook to serve the long-term mobility needs of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region.The proposed Circular Railway looping around Bengaluru's periphery will connect key growth zones such as Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, Malur, Heelalige, Solur, and Nidavanda. With ongoing revisions and minor extensions, the total route length is expected to rise slightly to 291 km. A rail activist said, 'This ambitious infrastructure project aims to ease traffic pressure on the city, boost suburban development, and support the growing economic ecosystem across Bengaluru's extended metropolitan region.'