Sat Feb 15 16:35:25 UTC 2025: ## Railway Minister Flags Delays in Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

**Bengaluru, February 15, 2025** – Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed concern over the slow progress of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) during a visit to the city on Saturday. He attributed the delays to the project’s structure as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and a lack of technical expertise within the executing agency, the Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) (K-RIDE).

Three failed tenders for train sets highlight the challenges. Mr. Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways is now proposing to supply the trains directly, citing the ineffectiveness of the PPP model in the railway sector. He criticized the State government’s execution, stating it falls short of public expectations.

To expedite the project, the Minister advocated for appointing a full-time managing director from the Indian Railways’ technical cadre and at least 12 additional technical personnel. He proposed this to the Karnataka government, offering to provide personnel from Indian Railways to bolster the project’s technical capabilities.

Despite the setbacks, Mr. Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Centre and the State to deliver the project swiftly. The total investment in the suburban railway currently stands at ₹15,767 crore, with the Minister assuring that central funding is being released as needed. He also revealed plans for a circular railway, currently under development.

Beyond the BSRP, Mr. Vaishnaw announced plans to double the number of long-distance trains serving Bengaluru from 200 to 400 within the next five to six years, aiming to eliminate waiting lists. He also highlighted significant railway infrastructure development in Karnataka since 2014, including the construction of 1,652 km of new tracks—more than the entire Sri Lankan railway network. Investments have increased ninefold since 2014, reaching ₹7,564 crore in 2025, with a total of ₹51,479 crore invested in railway projects during this period. Other improvements include 644 new flyovers/underpasses and the introduction of 10 Vande Bharat trains.

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