Bengaluru: A possible case of trying to gain political mileage seems to have delayed the inauguration of Bengaluru-Mysuru Railway line’s doubling and electrification works. The inauguration was to happen on December 26, but has been delayed till the third week of January, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will cut the ribbon.
The South Western Railways started the work in 2007 and completed it in December 2017, after several delays and cost escalations. Yet, VIP presence has taken precedence over public needs, leading to disgruntlement.
“We were happy that Commissioner of Rail Safety gave approval in mid-December. We heard that the inauguration was to happen on Dec. 26. Now the commercial operation is being stalled for 23 more days just for PM Modi,” said Krishna Prasad, a member of the Karnataka Railway Vedike.
As each days passes, Rs 42,000 is being burnt to run one diesel train between the twin cities, said Prasad, while an electric rake would take only Rs 25,000 per day, he said.
CPRO of SWR, Vijaya, said, “We have not fixed the dates for the inauguration as we have sent invites to VIPs and are still waiting for their approval.”
Though she did not comment if PM Modi had been invited, BJP MP from Mysuru Pratap Simha tweeted, “Our beloved PM Narendra Modiji will inaugurate the completion of Mys-Blr double tracking, electrification,mechanization.”
Though not officially confirmed, PM Modi is expected to arrive in Karnataka for Parivarthana Yatra between January 26 and 28, indicating that the commercial operation of the electrified line may be put off till then.
“Of Rs 895 crore needed for the project, the state government put in Rs 600 crore. Why wait for ministers from the Centre? As per protocol, it is CM’s presence that is a must. They are ignoring our needs to take credit before elections,” Prasad said.
He pointed out that the inauguration of Bengaluru-Dharamavaram electrification, which was presided over by then railway minister Suresh Prabhu, happened after commercial operations began, so as not to inconvenience passengers.
