South Western Railway: Major rail network expansion to boost Bengaluru connectivity

Rail connectivity from Bengaluru to nearby cities is set for a major upgrade, with the South Western Railway initiating multiple infrastructure projects to ease congestion and enhance travel efficiency. For the first time, several key routes are being considered for quadruple railway lines, promising faster and smoother commutes.

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• Bengaluru Cantonment–Whitefield (38 km) quadrupling work is progressing steadily; key groundwork and bridge extensions are already complete. The project costs Rs 492.87 crore.
• Bengaluru–Mysuru line to be upgraded to four tracks at a projected cost of Rs 6,850 crore. DPR expected by the end of 2025.
• Bengaluru–Tumakuru route is also proposed for quadrupling at Rs 3,500 crore. DPR to be submitted by August 2025.
• The Yelahanka–Devanahalli doubling project (Rs 455 crore) has a revised DPR submitted; traffic justification report expected next month.
• The Devanahalli–Kolar–Bangarapet doubling project DPR will be ready by November.
• Whitefield–Bangarapet quadrupling (47 km, Rs 1,481 crore) and Baiyappanahalli–Hosur quadrupling (48.5 km, Rs 2,550.71 crore) DPRs are already submitted.
• Chikkabanavara–Kunigal–Hassan doubling (166 km, Rs 4,150 crore) and Bangarapet–Jolarpettai quadrupling (72 km, Rs 3,600 crore) are under DPR preparation, with submissions due by August and July, respectively.
• Final surveys are complete for eight key routes, including Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Hosur.
• A 288-km Bengaluru Circular Railway is under DPR development. Planned in seven phases, the complete DPR is scheduled for submission to the Railway Board by August 2025.