BENGALURU: To bolster its revenue, the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) plans to lease 34,517 sqm of railway land in the Yeshwantpur railway colony.
According to the RLDA’s request for proposal, a 99-year lease is set for residential development, which involves constructing apartments. The selected developer will also oversee the redevelopment of the railway colony, part of the Bengaluru division of South Western Railway (SWR), which currently houses 316 employee quarters.
The project, estimated at Rs 119 crore, will have the revenue generated from residential properties shared between the developer and RLDA. “Both railway quarters and private apartments will coexist. The 316 quarters will remain for our staff, while private apartments will be available for sale,” stated a senior RLDA official to TOI.
Interested parties must submit e-bids by March 18.
While seen as a revenue-generating strategy, experts question using Yeshwantpur land for commercial purposes. “There are alternative developments that could enhance rail infrastructure, such as loco sheds or additional loop lines to manage high traffic, which would benefit the railway operations,” commented railway expert Sanjeev Dyamanavar.
169 Trees Scheduled for Removal at SMVT
As part of the Sir M Visveswaraya Terminal (SMVT) expansion project in Byappanahalli, 169 trees will be cut down. The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has issued a public notice stating that tree removal is necessary for the establishment of a sick line, which is estimated to cost Rs 68 crore.
A sick line is a specific track designated for the repair, maintenance, and servicing of inactive coaches and wagons. The sick line planned at SMVT will accommodate non-modified goods and passenger coaches.
The GBA has provided details of the trees set for removal on its website, allowing the public a 10-day period (starting Sunday) to voice any objections. Concerns can be submitted via email or posted to the deputy conservator of forests and tree officer at GBA.
