## EIB Funds Ambitious Suburban Railway Network in Bengaluru to Transform Urban Mobility
The European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, has announced a significant investment in Bengaluru’s transportation infrastructure. The EIB has approved a €300 million loan to develop a sprawling 149 km suburban railway network, promising to revolutionize urban mobility in the city. This ambitious project encompasses four rail corridors, 58 stations, and two depots, designed to address critical urban issues like congestion, pollution, and enhance passenger safety, particularly for women.
This new railway system, scheduled to be fully operational by 2029, will seamlessly integrate with Bengaluru’s existing metro and rail systems, creating multimodal hubs that facilitate effortless transfers between various modes of public transport. “The Bengaluru suburban railway is expected to unlock significant synergy effects with the existing rail operation, as well as with the metro system, by creating multimodal transport hubs with several interconnecting stations to facilitate a seamless transfer between different public transport modes,” the EIB stated in a press release.
Beyond its convenience, the project aims to shift commuters from road to rail, directly addressing critical urban issues. This shift is projected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and improve road safety. “The project promotes a modal shift from road to rail and addresses congestion, air and noise pollution, road safety and greenhouse gas emissions while providing an affordable mobility solution to improve access to jobs and study opportunities,” the EIB further elaborated.
Upon completion, the suburban network is expected to reduce Bengaluru’s carbon emissions by a remarkable 43%. The project anticipates a daily ridership of 400,000 trips during the first year of operations, a figure projected to reach 1.4 million trips per day by 2040, highlighting the transformative impact this network will have on urban mobility in the city.
This latest investment builds upon the EIB’s existing commitment to Bengaluru’s transportation infrastructure. “This funding (€300 million) complements the €500 million we allocated for the construction of the Bengaluru Metro R6 line, addressing Bengaluru’s mobility challenges by developing a clean, modern and efficient public transport system,” explained EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer. Beer emphasized the EIB’s strategic focus on creating a holistic urban transport ecosystem. “The two projects we are financing in Bengaluru aim to create India’s most interconnected rail network, providing seamless connectivity with all other modes of public transport in the city.”
Since 1993, the EIB has invested close to €5 billion (₹ 46,500 crore) in various sectors in India, supporting projects aligned with the country’s climate action goals, sustainable transport, and renewable energy initiatives. These investments include metro systems in cities like Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Pune, alongside substantial commitments to solar, wind, and water infrastructure.
EIB’s growing portfolio reflects its commitment to urban mobility and sustainable infrastructure in South Asia. The bank recently launched the Urban Mobility Competence Hub in partnership with Deutsche Bahn Engineering & Consulting, leveraging European expertise to drive urban transformation in Indian cities. “The initiative leverages the EIB’s financial and technical capabilities and Deutsche Bahn’s expertise in the rail sector from concept to commissioning,” the EIB stated. This collaborative effort highlights the EIB’s dedication to providing comprehensive support, including technical expertise, to ensure the success of these transformative infrastructure projects.
The development of Bengaluru’s suburban railway network represents a significant step towards creating a more sustainable, efficient, and accessible urban transport system in the city. This investment underscores the EIB’s commitment to supporting India’s sustainable development goals and promoting a cleaner, greener future for its urban centers.
