'Let down' by Centre, activists to intensify stir for suburban trains

Activists fighting for the suburban railway system will intensify their agitation in the days to come to protest against the non-allocation of funds for the commuter rail project in the Union Budget 2017-18.

The allocation of Rs 3,174 crore to South Western Railway in the latest budget has not brought cheer to the members of Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB), Praja Rag and other associations that have come together to fight against the steel flyover.

“By signing a memorandum of agreement last month, the Railways made a commitment to develop suburban railway. The allocation for track doubling works doesn’t include the long-pending projects like Yeshwantpur-Hosur,” CfB coordinator Srinivas Alavilli said.

Alavilli welcomed the allocation of funds for other projects and said that Bengaluru, which contributes in great measure to the development of the country, deserves “at least what was promised.”

Activists have already started expressing their disappointment on Twitter and Facebook. Sanjeev Dyamannavar of Praja Rag said they will start writing to the MPs representing Bengaluru, seeking funds.