Bengaluru: Finally, the much needed boost comes for the suburban rail after 11 long years of fight by the citizens. The Siddaramaiah government allocated Rs 100 crore for the project in the state budget on Friday. Advocates of suburban rail see this as a welcome development, but feel it will need follow-ups from the state government and South Western Railways.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while announcing the budget, said, “The central government has announced that suburban railway scheme will be taken up in partnership with the state. The department will take steps for effective implementation of the scheme and Rs 100 crore will be earmarked initially for this programme.”
Pranav Jha, from Praja RAAG – an advocacy group, and a strong supporter of suburban rail, said, “It is a great development. We will need diligent follow-ups with the state government and South Western Railways. The state and central governments should form a joint venture immediately with a managing director. For now, I would like to congratulate all.”
Voicing a similar opinion, Mr Sanjeev V. Dyamannavar, said, “It is undoubtedly a good move from the state government. Still, the state and the Railways have to float a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the project to be implemented on time.”
