Ashwini Vaishnaw says there is need for full-time MD at K-RIDE amid suburban rail delays

The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) is facing administrative and execution hurdles due to the absence of a full-time Managing Director at K-RIDE, the joint venture responsible for its implementation. The issue was highlighted in the Lok Sabha, with concerns raised over project delays and the lack of leadership well-versed in railway technology.

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K-RIDE, a collaboration between the Karnataka government and the Centre, has been operating without a full-time MD since July 2022. The current oversight is being handled as an additional responsibility by a Karnataka government official, which has raised concerns over efficiency in managing the Rs 15,767 crore infrastructure project.

The 148-km BSRP, designed to ease Bengaluru’s transport woes, comprises four corridors connecting key parts of the city. While work is in progress on two corridors, progress on the remaining two remains in the preliminary stages. A major factor affecting implementation has been the slow transfer of land by the Karnataka government, despite Indian Railways completing its share of land transfers.

The project’s completion is dependent on multiple factors such as land acquisition, clearances, and statutory approvals, which have contributed to delays. With mounting pressure to expedite the project, the demand for a full-time MD with expertise in railway technology is becoming increasingly critical for ensuring smooth execution and timely completion.