Twin Cities Set for Transport Revolution: Electric Rapid Transit System Clears Key Hurdle
ಮೆಟ್ರೋಗೆ ಪರ್ಯಾಯ: ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿ-ಧಾರವಾಡಕ್ಕೆ ‘ಇ-ಆರ್ಟಿ’ ಯೋಜನೆ ಮಂಜೂರಾತಿಗೆ ಸಿದ್ಧ!
Bengaluru, December 06: In a significant move to decongest and connect the twin cities of North Karnataka, the state government has taken a crucial step towards implementing a modern Electric Rapid Transit (E-RT) system between Hubballi and Dharwad. A detailed presentation on the proposed mass transit project was made to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by District In-charge Minister Santosh S Lad at the CM’s home office ‘Krishna’ on Thursday.
High-Level Review Paves Way Forward
The high-level meeting, attended by senior bureaucrats and representatives from the implementing consortium HESS India and SSB Company, served as a critical review of the ambitious project. Minister Santosh Lad, who has been spearheading the initiative, presented the key technical, financial, and operational aspects of the E-RT through a comprehensive demonstration.
The proposal, which was originally agreed upon with the state government on April 12 of this year, outlines the planned corridors, technology, and financing model for the system. After reviewing the presentation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the consortium to submit a formal proposal to the Transport and Urban Development departments for further evaluation.
“The Chief Minister has instructed that this proposal be placed before the next cabinet meeting for detailed discussion and a final decision,” a source familiar with the proceedings stated.
A Cost-Effective & Efficient Alternative
Advocating for the project’s merits, Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh highlighted the system’s advantages over traditional metro rail systems. She explained that the E-RT is designed to be a more economical and efficient solution, perfectly suited for a high-density travel corridor like Hubballi-Dharwad.
“The E-RT system is highly suitable for a city with a high passenger volume like Hubballi-Dharwad. It will provide the necessary connectivity for future needs,” Dr. Rajneesh said, underscoring the project’s strategic importance for the region’s urban growth.
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Minister Lad’s Hands-On Advocacy
The push for the E-RT system is largely credited to the persistent efforts of Minister Santosh Lad. Following extensive personal study on modern transit solutions, Lad has been a strong proponent of bringing a world-class transport system to the twin cities.
His advocacy has been hands-on. Months prior to this meeting, the minister personally travelled on the existing BRTS route between the cities to directly understand commuter grievances and system shortcomings from passengers. He also convened a separate meeting in Dharwad with officials, partners, and public representatives to gather wider input on the E-RT concept.
“The minister has shown considerable personal initiative in this. He has thoroughly studied this project and has been actively involved in ensuring a world-class transport system is implemented in the twin cities,” an official noted.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary to CM Anjum Parwez, Principal Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Randeep, and Urban Development Department Secretary Ms. Deepa Cholan. The project now awaits detailed departmental scrutiny before its final presentation to the state cabinet.
Key Quotes
1. On the Project’s Suitability and Future-Proofing:
“The E-RT system is highly suitable for a city with a high passenger volume like Hubballi-Dharwad. It will provide the necessary connectivity for future needs.”
— Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary of Karnataka.
2. On the Next Steps and Decision-Making Process:
“The Chief Minister has instructed that this proposal be placed before the next cabinet meeting for detailed discussion and a final decision.”
— A source familiar with the proceedings, summarizing the outcome of the meeting with CM Siddaramaiah.
3. On Minister Lad’s Personal Advocacy and Initiative:
“The minister has shown considerable personal initiative in this. He has thoroughly studied this project and has been actively involved in ensuring a world-class transport system is implemented in the twin cities.”
— An official, commenting on District In-charge Minister Santosh S Lad’s role in championing the E-RT project.
