For everyone in Bengaluru who has been avoiding meeting friends in Whitefield because it’s too far from the city, you won’t be able to use that excuse anymore. On Monday, the Bengaluru Division of South Western Railway started operations of their suburban service connecting Whitefield with Baiyyappanahalli and the Bengaluru-Bangarpet-Marikuppam route.
This is good news, especially for the IT sector, which has long demanded better connectivity between Whitefield and the city, reports The New Indian Express.
Earlier in July this year, the Railway Board agreed to a proposal of converting 15 existing short-distance passenger trains into Mainline Multiple Electric Units (MEMU) with 12 coaches.
Now, an official release from the South Western Railway said that five pairs of the service have already been launched.
The Whitefield – Baiyyappanahalli – Whitefield MEMU began operations from Whitefield on October 16, and from Baiyappanahalli on October 17.
The Marikuppam – KSR Bengaluru – Marikuppam MEMU was launched from KSR Bengaluru on October 16, and from Marikuppam on October 17.
Another service launched on October 16 was the Marikuppam – Bangarpet – Marikuppam MEMU from Marikuppam, which ran from Bangarpet on October 17.
October 18 saw the launch of the Bangarpet – Marikuppam – Bangarpet MEMU from Marikuppam, which ran from Bangarpet on October 19.
All of these MEMUs have replaced the existing Diesel Multiple Electric Unit (DEMU) trains on their routes.
According to the publication, phase 1(A) of the suburban project will cost ₹2,427 crore. The areas it will connect to Bengaluru include Bangarpet, Mandya, Tumkur, and Kempegowda International airport. Officials are still working on the feasibility report for connectivity from Yesvantpur railway station.
Each of these MEMU trains can carry 2,400 passengers and are much faster than the DEMUs. As they run on electricity, they will also help cut down costs for the Railways.
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