V. Somanna, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti lays foundation stone for Pedestrian Subway
· Free Press Journal

V. Somanna, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a pedestrian subway behind Mantri Mall, Malleswaram, Bengaluru, on Monday.
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Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development, Government of Karnataka; P.C. Mohan, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Central; Lahar Singh Siroya, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Dinesh Gundu Rao, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Gandhinagar; Praveen Katarki, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru Division; and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, V. Somanna said that the pedestrian subway behind Mantri Mall at Malleswaram is being constructed at an approximate cost of ₹5.5 crore. The subway will provide a safe and convenient crossing for pedestrians across the railway tracks, prevent trespassing, and significantly improve public safety.
Somanna said that the Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Ramohalli Gate near Kengeri is progressing well and is expected to be completed soon. He added that to speed up the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs), the Central Government is bearing 100% of the project cost.
The Minister further said that railway infrastructure development in Karnataka is progressing rapidly. He informed that the redevelopment of Bengaluru Cantonment station is being carried out at an approximate cost of ₹485 crore, while redevelopment works at Yesvantpur station are also progressing swiftly. A mega coaching terminal is also planned to be developed at Yelahanka.
Somanna said that the Tumakuru–Davangere and Rayadurga–Tumakuru new railway line projects are being executed on priority. He also informed that a new direct railway line between Bengaluru and Kolar via Hosakote, Narasapura, and Vemagal is being planned.
For the convenience of passengers, 37 trains that were earlier operating as special trains have now been regularised. He further stated that the Bengaluru Cantonment–Whitefield quadrupling project is nearing completion and that the KSR Bengaluru–Tumakuru railway line will also be quadrupled to meet the growing traffic demand.
Speaking on the occasion, Krishna Byre Gowda said that the Government of Karnataka is actively supporting railway development by expediting the land acquisition process for various new railway line projects in the State.
P.C. Mohan, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Central, said that the pedestrian subway would greatly benefit the residents of Srirampura, Okalipura and Swatantra Palya surrounding areas, especially the working class, by providing a safe and convenient crossing. He also appreciated the Central Government's efforts in modernising railway infrastructure and redeveloping railway stations across the country, particularly in Karnataka.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Member of Legislative Assembly, Gandhinagar, said that the construction of the pedestrian subway fulfils a long-pending demand of the local residents. He noted that the subway will enable people living around the area to cross the railway tracks safely, reduce the risk of accidents, and greatly improve connectivity for the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The Pedestrian Subway will be constructed at Railway Km 1/300-400, behind Mantri Mall, Bengaluru, at an estimated cost of ₹5.5 crore. The subway, measuring 5 m x 2.65 m, will provide a safe and convenient crossing for pedestrians across the railway tracks while enhancing the safety of train operations. The project will benefit residents of Seshadripuram, Okalipuram, Srirampura, and Malleswaram by improving safety, connectivity, and ease of movement.