INDIA: The Karnataka state cabinet has approved a four-route suburban railway network planned for Bangalore.
Services would use dedicated tracks to serve 81 stations, including 30 elevated. The estimated Rs230·1bn cost would be funded by the central government (20%), the state government (20%) and loans from multilateral or domestic financial institutions.
At 63·4 km, the longest of the four routes would run from Hillagere to Devanahalli. The others would be a 38·9 km route from Nelamangala to Baiyappanahalli, a 35·5 km line from Kengeri to Whitefield and a 24·9 km alignment linking KSR Bengaluru with Rajanakunte.
The cabinet also approved three metro projects, including a line to the airport.
