In the absence of an adequate feeder service and parking facilities at Metro Rail stations, Bengalureans are eagerly awaiting the promised Suburban Rail, which could not only provide an alternative to it, but also complement it, helping them reach their destinations with greater ease.
Although the Bengaluru Suburban Rail project was first proposed in 1983, it is still hobbling along, making some headway only recently after it received the approval of the Ministry of Railways and the Centre.
The city does however have a MEMU (mainline electric multiple units) service operating between Bengaluru central station and Whitefield, but it is not of much use to commuters because of its poor frequency. "The schedule of the MEMU service from Bengaluru central station to Whitefield has not been properly planned . We would like its frequency to increase, especially during peak-hours," says a commuter, Santosh R, who works in Whitefield.
Currently the MEMU service leaves KSR station at 8.45 am and reaches Bengaluru central at 11.10 am. The journey takes 55 minutes with the train halting at some local stations en route. "Only one dedicated MEMU service between these two major junctions is really of no use to commuters. If the same train operated in peak hours, it could help a lot more, " reasons Mr Santosh.
