BARSYL begins feasibility study for South India's first Inter-State Metro Rail Project

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant stride towards establishing South India's maiden inter-state metro link, the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation (CMRL) has initiated the long-awaited feasibility study for a metro rail connection between Bommasandra in Bengaluru and Hosur in Tamil Nadu. The consultancy firm entrusted with the study, Balaji Railroad System (BARSYL), commenced its work in December after being awarded the project in November.

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) catalyzed this development in 2023, instructing Tamil Nadu to conduct the feasibility study following Karnataka's agreement. M A Siddique, Principal Secretary/Managing Director at CMRL, expressed optimism about the study's progression, stating, "The feasibility study has been launched. The consultancy firm has begun its work, and we hope they will complete the study soon."

Assuming a seamless process, the study is anticipated to conclude within six months. Subsequently, representatives from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka will convene to discuss the consultancy firm's findings. A collaborative meeting between CMRL and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited officials last month indicated mutual efforts in ensuring the study's success.

The 20.5-km corridor's feasibility report, connecting Hosur with Bommasandra, encompasses assessments of alignment, the nature of the mass rapid transit system, ridership projections, and construction costs. The tender for preparing this report, issued by CMRL on August 1, received 11 bids, with BARSYL emerging as the winner. The proposed stretch spans 11.7 km in Karnataka and 8.8 km in Tamil Nadu. The Rs-75 lakh feasibility study is entirely funded by Tamil Nadu, while the Metro network's overall funding pattern is yet to be determined.

The Tamil Nadu government envisions that metro connectivity between Hosur and Bengaluru will invigorate the industrial town's growth, housing over 2,000 MSMEs. Hosur, hosting major conglomerates like TVS, Ashok Leyland, and Titan, is also positioning itself as a significant hub for electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. Noteworthy EV companies such as Ather, Ola Electric, Simple Energy, and TVS Motors have already established manufacturing units in the Hosur-Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri region.

This feasibility study aligns with the Tamil Nadu government's broader vision, coinciding with considerations for launching air connectivity from Hosur. As developments unfold, the Bommasandra-Hosur Metro Link holds the promise of transforming regional connectivity and fostering economic growth.

The commencement of the Bommasandra-Hosur Metro Link feasibility study marks a pivotal moment in advancing South India's first inter-state metro connectivity. As the study progresses, stakeholders eagerly anticipate its findings, envisioning a future of seamless travel and heightened economic activity between Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu.