City needs integrated transport solution authority: Prabhu

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday said Bengaluru needs an integrated transport solution authority for creating ways for a multi-modal seamless commuting experience for the people.

He was addressing the concerns of the people regarding railway projects in the City after launching four new trains from Bengaluru to other destinations.

Prabhu said: “I am aware of the need for suburban rail network to connect the City with Mysuru, Tumakuru and other suburbs. We will find the best way to take the project further and will execute it in an innovative way which will have the integrated transport solution.”

Prior to Prabhu’s statement, Union Law Minister Sadandnada Gowda, State Ministers Ramalinga Reddy, R V Deshpande, Dinesh Gundu Rao and Banaglore Rural MP D K Suresh made out a strong case for a suburban rail connectivity and apprised the Railway Minister that already RITES has done a feasibility study.

P C Mohan's largesse

Bangalore Central MP, P C Mohan donated Rs one crore from his MPLADS fund for developing a halting station at Whitefield and another Rs 10 lakh for providing benches and chairs at the City railway station.

Mohan said about 10,000 techies use the Whitefield station which does not even have a platform. Suresh Prabhu, lauding Mohan’s gesture, said this is the first time an MP has heeded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's suggestion of MP’s donating funds. “I will show this letter to every MP so that they also get inspired and make donation to railways for public welfare as daily three crore people travel in Indian trains.”