Bengaluru is likely to see a major leap in regional mobility with plans to introduce Namo Bharat semi-fast trains connecting Bengaluru with Kolar, Tumakuru, Mysuru and Hosur. The initiative follows discussions between the state government and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to set up a regional rapid transit system (RRTS) similar to the Delhi-Meerut regional rapid transit system.
According to senior officials, the NCRTC has proposed to build four Namo Bharat corridors radiating from Bengaluru: Bengaluru–Hoskote–Kolar (65 km), Bengaluru–Mysuru (145 km), Bengaluru–Tumakuru (60 km) and Bengaluru–Hosur–Krishnagiri–Dharmapuri (138 km), the last of which will stretch to Tamil Nadu.
A team of Karnataka officials recently visited the NCRTC headquarters in New Delhi to conduct preliminary discussions on the feasibility, alignment and technical design of the project.
A key feature
The Namo Bharat system, which allows trains to reach speeds of up to 160 kmph, is envisioned as a fast, frequent and convenient mode of transport for daily inter-city commuting, according to officials. “Designed for a maximum speed of 180 kmph, RRTS trains are different from both the metro and conventional rail services; they have fewer stops than metro trains but run more frequently than long-distance trains and do not require advance booking,” an official said.
An official familiar with the project said the proposed corridors could run services every 15 minutes, with the frequency increasing to every five minutes during peak hours. “The RRTS represents a world-class modern solution for regional mobility and could play a significant role in decongesting Bengaluru along with the ongoing suburban rail network,” the official added.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 20:49 IST
