Union Minister of State for Railways, Shri V. Somanna inspected the Rail Wheel Factory in Bengaluru, highlighting capacity enhancements and RWF’s global exports. He also reviewed the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, emphasising the need for better connectivity and accelerated completion timelines for key corridors to enhance urban transport in Bengaluru.
Inspection of Rail Wheel Factory (RWF):
- Union Minister Shri V Somanna visited RWF in Yelahanka, accompanied by Karnataka’s Minister Shri M.B. Patil and other senior officials.
- Inspected key units like the forging complex, axle machining, and wheel casting units.
- Focused on RWF’s initiatives to increase production capacity, including a new axle machining line to boost annual production by 40,000 units.
- Acknowledged RWF’s role in the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, exporting wheels and axles globally under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ campaign.
- Praised RWF’s ‘zero defect’ manufacturing driven by advanced automation, surpassing the Railway Board’s production targets.
Review of Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project:
- Emphasised the Circular Railway Project’s role in connecting Bengaluru’s periphery with a double line railway, targeting areas like Doddaballapur, Devanahalli, Malur, and others.
- Directed that the DPR prioritise connecting densely populated areas for accessible and affordable railway connectivity.
- Announced the Chikkabanavara-Baiyyappanahalli (Corridor-2) and Heelalige-Rajanukunte (Corridor-4) segments are set for completion by December 2026.
- Stressed the need for expedited land acquisition and faster execution to meet deadlines.
- Discussed potential extensions of the suburban railway to neighbouring cities, enhancing regional connectivity.
Coordination and Integration Efforts:
- Highlighted the importance of seamless coordination among Bangalore Metro, the Suburban Rail Project, and other authorities.
- Recommended regular meetings for better integration and to avoid project delays.
- Explored the possibility of integrating the suburban railway with the Circular Railway, approved at an estimated cost of ₹21,000 crores.
Conclusion:
Shri V. Somanna’s inspection and review underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing Bengaluru’s rail infrastructure, aligning with the broader vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The timely completion and integration of the suburban railway and RWF’s capacity expansion are expected to significantly improve urban and regional rail connectivity in Karnataka.
Source: South Western Railway – Press Release | Images Credit: Rail Wheel Factory
