HSRL updates

HSRL update attached as a PDF (also available at http://www.idd.kar.nic.in/hsrl.html and http://www.idd.kar.nic.in/docs/Proceedings_of_PRS_IDD_HSRL.pdf). It is commendable that Mr. Madhu (IDD) in the true spirit of transparency is responsible for updating information on a fairly regular basis on the website. Hopefully, other govt. dept.s follow. Samarpana petitioned against the project. Samarpana's objections and Mr. Madhu's  responses in brief. Also included are some observations from praja side. Notes have been copy/pasted and may have spelling errors due to incorrect reading of the data.
Objection:

The decision to undertake the project of High Speed Rail at a completion cost of Rs.5,767 crores is not warranted in view of the fact that aBlDe, a body set up by Govt. of Karnataka, had recommended for airport connectivity on west and east by road and railway access with the existing south western Railway on Bangalore - chickballapur route;

Response:

A presentation was done by the Managing Director of the BARL before the aBlDe on details of the High speed Rail Link in September 2009. The aBlDe had not communicated any decision in this regard. The Airport is to develop to have a capacity of 50 million passengers per year. This would mean an average of 1.5 lakh passengers going into and out of the Airport every day.

This would mean that HSRL could carry about 2 lakh passengers per day over a 19-hour period.

Thus, the HSRL would carry only a portion of the visitors, staff and passengers to the Airport city. The balance hips have to be handled by the Road system and commuter Rail system.

The above two mean that the HSRL itself could carry more than the projected number of passengers but would not completely cater to the proposed aerotropolis and related developments mentioned elsewhere.
Response:

The advantages of HSR system is that it creates far less carbon foot print compared to the bus system and the running cost of the system per passenger is about 1/6th of that of the road vehicles'on an averaqe.

No question about sustainability; similar to commuter rail. Unknown how the running cost calculation is done as it should include "door-to-door" calculations.
Objection:

DMRCL.. have not considered the problems that would be faced in taking up civil structures ... as the height of the elevated track will be too high.

Response:

Firms / consortiums ..who are already technically qualified; who have the capability of designing such civil structures. This concern of samarpana would be addressed by expert civil engineers who are competent to design such structures.

Very valid response; it wouldn't do for the general public to question technical competencies. Only in case of catastrophe / failure should this come into play.
Objection:

That the High speed Rail would come in the way of trainee aircrafts that fly at low height at Jakkur;

No response. This probably would be addressed by the chosen consultant. It may be best if the objection is passed on to them so they can coordinate with Jakkur / DGCA.
Objection:

The acquisition of land that would be acquired for the project from the existing Hebbal lake in excess of 6 acres..

Response:

HSRL is marked on the ground and does not touch any portion of Hebbal Lake and in fact would be situated at a minimum distance of 50 meters from the edge of Hebbal Lake.

The proposed HSRL corridor passes through survey numbers other than Hebbal Lake.

The above should be a clear enough indication that the lake wouldn't be disturbed.

Objections:

..to provide connectivity to BIAL through south western Railway services..

..Govt had announced spending Rs.500 crores for development of local train facility and connectivity to B|AL by rail and bus

Response:

However, for the Commuter rail system, the project reports are yet to be prepared and commuter rail systems would be connected to new traffic hubs.

To extend the BBMp area to cover Bangalore International Airport (BlA) area;

Amend the Mysore Tramway Act 1905, as required in respect of determination of fare, safety certification, the items that could be carried by passengers in the HSRL, etc.:

See also response above and also a few paragraphs in the text. Generally, it is easier for the state govt. to go the tramway / HSRL / metro route as the center / railways are not involved. This means theoretically faster decision-making; that remains to be seen. Traditionally, railways have been slow to innovate, respond and projects are mired in central-level politics.
Objection:

fare that would be charged by the High speed Rail would be too high when compared to the train fair

No response (needed). The private operator will wind up; it is supply vs. demand. The state govt. may "lose" the land allocated, central govt. may lose the viability gap funding. The loss issues need to be addressed; one suggestion mentioned in the comments below.