There is tremendous potential in the state for enhanced railway infrastructure, but the state government’s inaction is a huge hurdle, said KH Muniyappa, Union minister of state for railways, as he inaugurated a model for the Whitefield Railway Station on Sunday.
Muniyappa pointed out that it was decided that all projects would be taken on a cost sharing basis, and land would be handed over by the state government. However, land had not been forthcoming, and the implementation of proposed projects is thus delayed, the Union minister said.
“Unless there is support from the state government, there is little the Centre can do. In case of suburban train services, a proposal has still to be cleared by the office of the chief minister. The railway board’s approval can only be sought once the state government clears it. There is also a dearth of land for the project. The feasibility of the proposed project will be examined after the budget,” Muniyappa said.
The minister claimed that talks had been held for increasing the rakes for long-distance as well as local trains. However, space constraints have delayed the implementation of this proposal. Muniyappa said that there was even a move to create a 220km long additional line, that would stretch from Kadappa in Andhra Pradesh to Whitefield, at a cost of Rs1,500 crore. The plan had been sanctioned, except for the final Kolar-Whitefield stretch. Muniyappa pointed out that this last leg would be especially important for business and industry.
A proposal has also been made for trains to Devanahalli, Anekal, Doddaballapur and Magadi, to ease traffic on roads. Those travelling to Chennai and Hyderabad would be able to board trains from these locations, he said.
