Bengaluru, Oct 6 (UNI) In a major push to alleviate Bengaluru’s infamous traffic congestion and improve regional connectivity, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the introduction of the Namo Bharat semi-high-speed trains.
These trains, currently being manufactured at Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) in Bengaluru, will soon operate on routes connecting the capital with Tumakuru and Mysuru, significantly reducing travel times between the cities.
In parallel, Vaishnaw highlighted the remarkable success of the Vande Bharat Express, with routes such as Bengaluru to Chennai, Madurai, and Hyderabad experiencing over 100 percent occupancy. This level of demand reflects the appetite for fast, comfortable rail travel in the state.
“The Namo Bharat trains will provide a worldclass experience at affordable fares, ensuring maximum comfort and safety, especially for middle-class passengers,” he told reporters here late Saturday night, noting that the new trains will be equipped with advanced safety features, including the Kavach system, designed to alert the driver of any impending danger.
Additionally, there are plans to better integrate train services with air travel in Bengaluru. The Ministry of Railways is collaborating with the Bengaluru Airport Authority to extend the railway line closer to the airport terminals, providing a seamless transition for passengers travelling by air, the minister said.
The existing rail line between Bengaluru station and Yelahanka is also being doubled to accommodate the growing number of passengers, he said.
The redevelopment of Bengaluru’s Cantonment station is underway, with plans to create a G+2 structure featuring an additional 18,000 square metres of space, Vaishnaw said.
The revamped station will also include underground parking facilities for 250 cars and 250 two-wheelers, enhancing convenience for commuters. Vaishnaw compared the development to the recent successful upgrade of Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal at Baiyappanahalli.
Karnataka’s rail infrastructure is rapidly expanding, with the circular rail project in Bengaluru making steady progress. Additionally, the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Bengaluru and Whitefield is proceeding as planned, promising to further improve the city’s transport network.
