Part I: Commuter Rail System
Commuter
Rail Services (CRS)
There has been frequent &
repeated mention of CRS on existing rail tracks in several previous
study reports (since 1981), but with no follow up action so far. The
CTTP-2007 report has
recommended an increase in the CRS network to
204km in three phases. It is not clear if this is being seriously
pursued with the Railways. Some land acquisition is also involved,
& there are many questions as to which body will build &
operate the CRS network, & also the type of rolling stock &
service /quality levels, ticket pricing, etc.
The CTTP report has not recommended a
CRS for Dodballapur or Devanahalli though tracks exist from
Beniganahalli, cutting thro’ the upper north-eastern quadrant outside
ORR, via Yelahanka. That part of the city is also developing & the
CRS along this route will help commuters along Dodballapur road &
for those bound towards Devanahalli.
The Mass Transit system operating in Copenhagen (Denmark) has the
facility to carry commuters’ bicycles in the train. Such a facility
would be a significant benefit to the commuter as he can ride his
bicycle on both sides of his journey & many suburbanites would
welcome this, the climate in the city being conducive to bicycling.
This may be worth investing in, for a start on CRS since CRS is
expected to cater to economically weaker, long distance travelers, who
will look for quick & cost effective mobility options upon reaching
their destinations. This would also promote non-motorized vehicles. CRS
stations need to be designed for handling easy entry /exits for
commuters with bicycles & some bicycling infrastructure should also
be in place within the city to make this successful.