Tumakuru (Karnataka), June 20 (AHN) In a major development aimed at addressing this long-standing issue, the Minister of State (MoS) for Railways V. Somanna said on Saturday that preliminary preparations for the construction of a quadruple railway line between Bengaluru and neighbouring Tumakuru city are progressing swiftly.

The ambitious infrastructure project is estimated to cost more than Rs 6,000 crore.

According to MoS Somanna, efforts to identify additional land required for the project are underway at a brisk pace.

He indicated that the formal land acquisition process is expected to commence within the next five to six months.

MoS Somanna said, "The detailed project report has been done and it has also been passed in the technical committee. After this it will go to the Cabinet and NITI Aayog Commission. In five to six months, acquisition will begin."

"Bengaluru to Tumakuru city railway track is going to become four-lane. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara is eager to extend the Metro lane from Bengaluru to Tumakuru and we are fully ready for it," he added.

"If at all there is any possibility to develop any city on lines with Bengaluru, it is Tumakuru," he said.

Once completed, the four-track railway corridor will allow express and passenger trains to operate independently without having to wait for signals or crossing clearances.

This is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce travel time between Bengaluru and Tumakuru by nearly half.

The proposed quadruple railway line is expected to enhance rail connectivity, ease congestion on one of Karnataka's busiest railway corridors, and provide a major boost to daily commuters and regional economic activity.

It can be noted that the number of commuters travelling daily by train between Tumakuru and Bengaluru for employment, education and business purposes is increasing rapidly.

Tumakuru city is a district headquarter, located 68 km away from Bengaluru.

However, the existing double-track railway line between the two cities has been struggling to handle the growing traffic, resulting in frequent train delays and inconvenience to passengers.