Bangalore-Mangalore Project to be launched in November

Bangalore, Oct 8 (UNI) The Bangalore-Mangalore rail route will be thrown open for passenger traffic from the second week of November, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said today.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, he said all safety measures have been taken for running trains on the track, which would reduce the distance between the Eastern and Western Coast (from Chennai to Mangalore). There would not be any further extension of deadline, he added.

Mr Velu said the Ministry had taken up feasibility studies in the four regions of the country for introduction of bullet trains and it would be completed soon. Several States, including Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have evinced interest in taking part in the project, he added.

The Railway Land Development Authority was working with various proposals to lease out its land for commercial purpose, he said, adding that the Ministry had plans to start agri-outlets at railway stations across the country.

UNI