Namo Bharat trains may soon link Bengaluru to satellite cities

The high-speed Namo Bharat trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 160 kmph and covering 90 km in less than an hour, may soon extend their reach to Karnataka.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which operates India’s first semi-high-speed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), has proposed extending this model to the state, according to media reports.

Also read: Railway Minister: Namo Bharat trains to launch soon between Bengaluru and Tumakuru, Mysuru

The proposal includes four regional rail corridors originating from Bengaluru to enhance inter-city connectivity and support regional economic development. The suggested routes are Bengaluru–Hoskote–Kolar (65 km), Bengaluru–Mysuru (145 km), Bengaluru–Tumakuru (60 km), and Bengaluru–Hosur–Krishnagiri–Dharmapuri (138 km), the last of which extends into Tamil Nadu.

Currently, the Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor is partially operational, with 55 km of the 82-km stretch in service since October 2023. Building on this model, NCRTC has expressed readiness to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Karnataka, pending approvals from the state government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

To facilitate planning, NCRTC has invited Karnataka officials to visit the functional stretch in Delhi-NCR and offered assistance with initial documentation.

Designed with global best practices, the RRTS promises efficient, all-weather operations and could significantly boost Karnataka’s transport infrastructure.