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European Investment Bank approves €300 million loan for Bengaluru suburban railway project

In a significant boost to Bengaluru’s public transport infrastructure, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced a €300 million loan to develop a 149-km suburban railway network. Designed to ease congestion and pollution, this project connects four corridors, integrates with the metro, and is expected to serve 1.4 million passengers daily by 2040.


Growing Population and Mobility Needs:

Bengaluru, with a population of 14 million, is expected to grow to 20 million by 2030. This suburban railway is aimed at easing the city’s growing mobility challenges and providing seamless connectivity between metro and suburban rail, enhancing daily commute options for residents and reducing congestion on roads.

EIB’s Broader Support for Indian Transport:

The EIB has been actively involved in India’s transport sector, funding €3.25 billion in metro projects across six cities. India is the EIB’s largest transport investment market outside Europe, with this loan adding to a previous €500 million loan for Bengaluru’s Metro R6 line.

Environmental and Economic Impact:

The project supports environmental goals by facilitating a shift from road to rail, which will reduce Bengaluru’s CO2 emissions by 43% upon completion. Expected to handle 400,000 trips daily by 2029, the suburban railway will also play a key role in providing affordable access to employment and education.

Focus on Women’s Safety and Empowerment:

The railway network will incorporate design features to enhance safety and accessibility for women, contributing to gender inclusion. By supporting women’s participation in construction, the project also promotes economic empowerment for women in Bengaluru.

Insights:

Mr. Nicola Beer, EIB Vice-President, said “The €300 million loan for the Bengaluru suburban railway will address mobility issues and create India’s most integrated rail network, enhancing accessibility and safety, especially for women. Our support for both the suburban railway and Metro R6 is a commitment to developing a clean, modern public transport system in Bengaluru.”

Mr. Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador, said “EIB’s nearly €5 billion investment in India underscores our commitment to sustainable growth. Today’s announcement aligns with the EU Global Gateway Initiative, advancing green, efficient mobility in Bengaluru and creating lasting social and economic benefits, marking another milestone in EU-India cooperation.”

Urban Mobility Competence Hub:

To tackle India’s urban mobility challenges, the EIB, in partnership with Deutsche Bahn, established the Urban Mobility Competence Hub. This initiative combines financial and technical resources to develop effective, timely urban transport solutions, drawing from Europe’s expertise in sustainable mobility.

Conclusion:

The €300 million EIB loan for Bengaluru’s suburban railway is a leap forward in India-EU transport collaboration. By enhancing connectivity and reducing environmental impact, the project is set to transform urban mobility in Bengaluru, paving the way for a sustainable, inclusive future in one of India’s fastest-growing cities.


Source: EIB – Press Release | Image Credit: EIB

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