The launch of Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services on Monday will pacify those demanding a suburban rail service for now. But the implementation of a complete service to all parts of the city might be delayed as the Union and State governments negotiate the sharing of costs.
With the Railway Ministry reluctant to share half of the cost and the State government insisting upon the same, the conflict has reached a stalemate which will have to be solved on priority for the suburban rail project to be launched in earnest.
Speaking at a function where Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu launched several projects on Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requested the Minister to reconsider the cost-sharing pattern laid out in the draft suburban rail policy of the Railway Ministry.
The State has requested a 50:50 cost-sharing ratio for the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which will co-ordinate the execution of the suburban rail project. In its draft policy, the Ministry has proposed equity sharing of 20 per cent by both Union and State governments with the remaining 60 per cent to be arranged by loan funds or other sources.
In addition, the State government would also have to bear the cost of land acquisition, leasing of land from the Railways as well as resettlement and rehabilitation. Defending the proposal, Mr. Prabhu said: “It is no longer possible for the Union government to finance infrastructure projects entirely from the budget. Our proposal will ensure that neither the State nor the Centre will be burdened.”
However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the State could not pay the costs involved, as land acquisition and costs were high in Bengaluru.
Namma Metro Phase II to be ready by 2020
Commuters waiting for Phase II of Namma Metro to start operations will be able to take a ride on the around 72 km network by March 2020, Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Monday.
He was speaking after conducting a review meeting of various projects under implementation by civic agencies such as the Bangalore Development Authority, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation and others.
“BMRCL has told me that Phase I will be commissioned by April. They have also expressed confidence of completing Phase II by March 2020. For Phase 2A, which will connect the Outer Ring Road, the cost will be ₹4,200 crore and BMRCL has asked us for financial assistance which we will try to provide,” he said.
Launch of MEMU trains
The launch of Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains – which will see a total of five trips being added to the daily train timetable between Bengaluru and its suburbs of Ramanagaram and Whitefield – brought cheer to thousands of supporters of the suburban rail project in the city.
“Today is a historic day for Bengaluru. The success of the citizens movement is bringing both the Centre and State together to recognise the urgent need for suburban trains,” said Tara Krishnaswamy, co-ordinator, Citizens for Bengaluru, a group which organised the #ChukuBukuBeku campaign recently.
Recalling the long standing demand for a suburban rail for the city, H.N. Ananth Kumar, MP, Bengaluru South, said, “I had raised the request for a circular rail during my maiden speech in Parliament in 1995. This is a tremendous step forward towards a full-fledged suburban rail system for Bengaluru.”
Mr. Prabhu also flagged off a tri-weekly express train between Shivamogga and KSR station.
