High-speed train: Chinese team conducts feasibility study for Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru route

Mysuru: There is fresh hope of having a high-speed rail corridor on the Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysuru route with a Chinese expert team conducting a feasibility study on the stretch and likely to submit a preliminary report in the next three months. The Chinese have identified several hurdles the ambitious project would face before becoming a reality.

A 17-member team attached to China Railway Engineering Group led by its deputy director and senior engineer Mr Xu-Zengxin began their two-day study from Chennai on Wednesday and continued their track recordings from Bengaluru to Mysuru on Thursday. They came to Mysuru on Thursday accompanied by Alok Tiwari, chief project manager, Railway Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), Bengaluru and A.K. Agarwal, Divisional General Manager (DRM), SWR, Bengaluru.

Later, speaking to journalists Mr. A.K. Agarwal said the feasibility study was done as part the MoU signed between Government of India and China on introducing high-speed train running at a speed of 200 kmph between Chennai to Mysuru via Bengaluru.

The major hindrance identified by the Chinese team is the curvature on the route. From Bengaluru to Mysuru alone there are over 160 curves with the curve greater than one degree. However, Mr Agarwal further said RVNL is the nodal agency for the project and the modalities will be discussed in detail after the Chinese team submits its preliminary report. “Yes, the project cost will be huge considering the technical difficulties involved”.