Bengaluru: The city is still waiting for the proposed Chamarajanagar-Bengaluru railway line via Kollegal, Malavalli and Kanakapura though it was approved by the UPA government years ago.
As against an estimated cost of Rs 1,382 crore, the project received only Rs 10 crore in the last budget and remains on paper despite railway board’s nod.
“The line could be a big help to those staying in Kanakapura, Malavalli and Kollegal. Though it has been entered into the ‘pink book’ of the railway ministry, which is the green signal for preliminary work on any project, the funds have been delayed,” regrets railway activist Yogendra, blaming the state government for not showing interest in acquiring the land for it.
Though the state government had agreed to give land free of cost for the project and also bear 50% of the cost of executing it, it has not come forward to do either, experts said. “The delay project could cost Rs 2,500 crore and more now as the land value has increased,” they said.
The line was held up earlier as it did not receive the clearance for cutting through Satyamangalam forests and an elephant corridor. Though it has managed to pass that hurdle, it is still no closer to reality, Yogendra observes. He said it can complement the suburban railway planned for Bengaluru.
