After Metro, Bengaluru set for High Speed Rail Link

The High Speed Rail Link (HSRL) project, aimed at providing faster access to the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA), could well see the light of day with the State government asking Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to implement the project, with certain modifications.

The project has been pending before the Union urban development ministry for some time now due to lack of clarity on the modalities of implementation of the project. With the project being handed over to the BMRCL, the decks have been cleared for the HSRL project.

“The concept of business class and economy class, with differential fares, as followed by airlines, will be adopted for HSRL” said BMRCL managing director N. Sivasailam. Asked if the project will remain exclusively for airport connectivity, Mr Sivasailam said market forces will decide on this.

He however, hinted that it will cater to other passengers apart from the airport passengers en route to BIA.

The BMRCL will now invite requests for proposal (RFP) from bidders. Five bidders have already been selected during the request for qualification by the Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC). After opening the qualification bids, BMRCL will suggest to the state government whether to go ahead with the same RFP or to call for fresh RFP, said sources.

Earlier, the state government had formed a special purpose vehicle for the project under KSIIDC. The project was earlier sought to be executed under public-private partnership (PPP).

Get connected

* The 35-km rail link to the airport, estimated to cost Rs 5,800 crore, will help reach BIA within 30 minutes

* Route will have stations at Cubbon Road, Hebbal and Yelahanka

* The state government has assured BMRCL of providing land along Sankey Road, Ramana Maharshi Road and Bellary Road free of cost