South Western Railway recently invited consultancy services for a proposed mega coach terminal at Yelahanka. The project is planned near the Rail Wheel Factory. Ashwini Vaisnaw said the proposed terminal will not impact the wheel factory. The terminal, estimated to cost Rs 5,745 crore, will feature a multi-level coach terminal. It was initially proposed at Devanahalli but later shifted to Yelahanka due to logistical advantages and proximity to the city. “Given the city’s growing transportation needs, we are developing a mega terminal at Yelahanka. The Rail Wheel Factory will remain unchanged, with absolutely no alteration to its layout,” Vaishnaw said.‘Airport rail link to be taken up shortly’Inordinate delay in executing the 148-km Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project has drawn criticism from commuters, with the project — sanctioned in June 2020 with a six-year deadline — yet to take off. Vaishnaw Saturday said the project has begun to gather pace after a technical expert was appointed to head Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company (KRIDE), the executing agency. He said the suburban rail link to Kempegowda International Airport will also be taken up shortly. On the 41-km Majestic-Devanahalli corridor, which includes the airport link, survey and geotechnical works have been completed, while land acquisition is in progress, he said.
