1960s Bengaluru Circular Railway Map Goes Viral, Public Reacts With Regret

A vintage 1960s map depicting an unexecuted proposal for a Bengaluru Circular Railway line has recently gained traction on social media.

The map was shared by a prominent weather blogger on X, who commented, "Had this plan been pursued, our city wouldn't be grappling with the traffic jams we experience today. What a significant loss."

Titled "Diagram of the Plan for the New Railway Junction and Ring Railway in Bengaluru," the map showcased important city areas including Koramangala, Jayanagar, Rajajinagar, Mysore Road, and Ulsoor.

Since its posting, the map has attracted over 18,500 views along with more than 300 likes and shares, provoking a variety of responses from users.

User Reactions on X

Responses to the 1960s map of the proposed railway initiative have ranged from frustration to incredulity. Numerous users voiced their disappointment regarding the lack of political will to advance such infrastructure projects. One comment noted, "It's simple math! Railway projects rarely yield kickbacks for ruling party MLAs, so they aren't favored! Flyovers and highways, however, line their pockets!"

Others reflected on the lost opportunity, with one user stating, "If the plan had been executed, Jayanagar and Banashankari would have had a station, making it the best option! The Metro might never have happened."

Some critics directed their ire at past governmental decisions, accusing both central and state leaders of "messing everything up" and labeling them as "ineffective."

A few users also raised questions about the timeline for implementing such projects, asking, "While the Metro was being built in Delhi in 2000, what prevented the Karnataka government from doing the same in Bengaluru? We are at least 20 years behind."

287-km Circular Rail Network

The notion of a circular railway around Bengaluru has resurfaced with a new proposal in 2023. A plan for a 287-kilometre circular railway is underway, aimed at connecting major neighboring towns. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has declared that this will become India's largest circular railway network. The initiative aspires to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in Bengaluru, addressing the persistent challenges within the city's urban transport system.