A high-speed Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) connecting Bengaluru and Mysuru is in the works, with the potential to transform Karnataka’s busiest travel corridor. Modeled on the Namo Bharat Rrts being developed in Delhi-NCR, this ambitious project could reduce travel time from nearly three hours to just under 70 minutesNews18 reported.
Proposed by the Bangalore Commuter Rail Corporation Ltd. (BCRCL) and designed by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)the Bengaluru–Mysuru RRTS aims to operate trains at speeds up to 200 km/h. The system will cater to daily commuters, inter-city travelersand businesses with high-frequency, dedicated services.
While the pre-feasibility study is completea Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently in progress. Planners are considering a hybrid infrastructure modelcombining elevated tracks with upgraded existing rail lines. Estimated project costs range between ₹25,000 and ₹30,000 croredepending on factors like land acquisition, alignment, and station infrastructure.
The Bengaluru–Mysuru stretch has long been identified as a growth corridorwith towns such as Ramanagara and Mandya poised to benefit from the project. The RRTS is expected to bring:
Despite the optimism, several challenges remain:
Experts warn that unless the system is isolated from existing slow rail networksthe intended speed and efficiency benefits may not materialize.
If successfully implemented, the RRTS could revolutionize urban and inter-city commuting in Karnataka. From daily office commutes to weekend traveland even relocation between citiesthe project offers a promising shift toward faster, greener, and more inclusive mobility.