NEED FOR MULTI-MODAL TRANSIT HUB (MMTH-GNB)
Even after doubling & electrification of Mysuru-Bengaluru railway line, full benefits are not being passed on to the commuters due to PLATFORM CONGESTION on either end. Moreover, commuters are paying higher fares for the express trains with no real express service. In most cases it takes about 45 Minutes on the express trains to complete 12 KM journey between Kengeri & Bengaluru city railway station.Â
POTENTIAL FOR GNB AS INTEGRATED MULTI-MODAL TRANSIT FOR SEAMLESS TRAVEL
GNB is strategically located on the Mysuru-Bengaluru railway line positioned just adjacent to the operational Bangalore University (BU) Metro station. Both the GNB & metro station lie on the major arterial road connecting Mysuru-Bengaluru (Kengeri) expressway NH -275.
Metro services on (Mysore road-Kengeri) the stretch have already started. KSRTC & BMTC operate 1000s of bus trips daily enroute connecting nook and corner of Bengaluru.
GNB is the ONLY RAILWAY station CLOSEST to the Metro station on the purple line & is located on the Kengeri arterial route, thus enabling GNB to emerge as a Multi-Modal transit hub (MMTH).
The above problem can be addressed by-Integrating the public transport modes (Railway/Metro/Buses) at GNB while upgrading GNB as a halt station, wherein, it can accommodate the halting of 24 coach trains.Â
- ONE-STOP MANY DESTINATIONS CONNECTIVITY via Metro & Road
- Saves time of Indian railways commuters
- Seamless transit
- Alternate modes of transport complement each other
CATCHMENT
Jnanabharati Halt station is close to many prestigious institutes like Bangalore University, UVCE, National Law College, Sports Authority of India, RV College to name a few. Many renowned textile companies like Arvind Mills, Shahi Exports etc are in the vicinity employing thousands of women from nearby major towns. Massive Warehouses, logistics & showrooms that are already operating & the upcoming ones further add to the catchment. Currently, only passenger trains stop here.
WAY FORWARD
Existing Infrastructure at Jnanabharati halt station is very basic-
- Two platforms
- Ticketing counter
Some infra works are needed to realise the benefits of a multi modal transit hub.
One major bottleneck that needs to be resolved is the platform length to accommodate 24 coach express trains. As Further Extension of Platform towards the west is not possible due to the proximity of arterial road (Kengeri). So, to facilitate the stoppage of 24 coach express trains, the platform must be extended towards east.
EXTENSION OF PLATFORM TOWARDS EAST
In order to extend the platform towards the east, the existing underpass needs to be replaced with a bigger one to accommodate the extended platforms. Currently, the underpass to Jnanabharati (Bangalore University) is a 2 lane underpass with one track supported on RCC deck and other on Steel girder.
Also, as per BDA City Development Plan 2015/2031, Bangalore University (Jnanabharati campus) road is proposed as 18 m wide. So, it is necessary to widen the underpass anyway. As a solution, wide segmental RCC Precast boxes can replace the existing RCC deck and steel girder supported by RCC abutment.
FOOT OVER BRIDGE (FOB) CONNECTING METRO STATION– SANCTIONED IN 2021 STATE BUDGET
To facilitate easy movement of people from GNB to BU metro station an integrated FOB with future provision for lifts needs to be provided. The same has been already sanctioned in 2021 state budget.
Once the above-mentioned infrastructure is added at GNB, popular express trains can be identified for 1-minute halt for the benefit of commuters from Mysuru.
Well articulated. Absolutely required.
This requires cooperation with Indian railways, highly unlikely to happen. Gnanabharati is a halt-type station, and platform isn’t long enough to accommodate 22-coach LHB trains. Better plan is to have shuttle/feeder bus services between Kengeri stn./satellite town to Kengeri metro station.