Activists ask govt not to delay suburban rail

Civil society activists urged the government not to delay the suburban rail project and demanded immediate measures like running trains on time and optimum utilisation of existing infrastructure.

The members of five organisations met Chief Secretary Vijay Bhaskar on Friday as part of the ongoing movement, #ModaluTrainBeku, and submitted a memorandum. The immediate demands include more trains towards Electronic City.

Srinivas Alavilli of the Citizens for Bengaluru said the demands were apart from the formation of special purpose vehicle (SPV). “It starts with basics like tweaking time to suit the demands of the travelling public, especially those commuting during peak hours,” he said.

He said building good access roads at Bellandur, Carmelaram and Heelalige railway stations were part of the suburban project that cannot be ignored. “We got positive response from the senior official and we hope things will gather pace,” he said.

Sanjeev Dyamannavar of Prajaa Raag said the chief secretary assured that preparatory works will be completed within a month following which the SPV will be formed. “We were told that the state will discuss with railways the immediately actionable demands,” he said.

Alavilli said the civil society will continue to push suburban rail as an alternative to elevated corridor. “We will continue to create awareness about suburban trains and encourage more people to use them.”

Members of Whitefield Rising, Bellandur Jothege and Carmelram Unites and others said they will continue to work with corporates and tech parks to add momentum to suburban rail.DH