Bengaluru: When the Union Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu, visited the city on Sunday there was a clamour for a suburban rail with many politicians raising the demand.
Mr Prabhu was here to inaugurate road over bridges and commission various other facilities. However, his speeches hardly mentioned about the project.
In his address, Lok Sabha member P.C. Mohan said,"I request the Railway Minister to immediately come to a conclusion on the Suburban Rail project. I hope the State Government at least comes to the discussion table and announces the signing of a Special Purpose Vehicle for this project, in accordance with the nationwide suburban rail policy."
Union Minister for Statistics Sadananda Gowda said though the metro has helped ease traffic congestion, but the city badly needs a suburban rail network. "It is learnt that the suburban rail proposal has been sent to the Railways. I disagree with the 80:20 cost sharing ratio, between State and Railways respectively. Land acquisition rates will push the cost up to 90%, which no state Government can afford. I request the Railways to re-consider this decision," Mr Gowda said.
While the BJP coaxed the State to be more pro-active, the State's Congress Ministers pushed the Centre to take the initiative.
State Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande said, "Suburban rail is a long felt need which can resolve traffic issues. Three Central Ministers are here today and I urge cooperation with the State. We have given everything from the state and it is the Centre's turn to act now. I strongly urge Suresh Prabhu to immediately approve this project.” Mr Prabhu said in his address, "I met with the General Manager, Divisional Railway Manager and ADRM on Saturday to discuss Suburban Rail. I urged them to meet Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George on Sunday itself, to reach a final solution. We have to still sort out technical issues. As I said in the budget speech, we are committed to this project."
Union Human Resources Minister Prakash Javadekar was also present during the inauguration of road over-bridge at Rajanukunte and another at Muthyala Nagar.
A lift was also commissioned at Platform 1 Yeshwanthpur Station and a renovated food plaza announced at Hubballi Station, through video link.
