V. Somanna Inspects Rail Wheel Factory and Reviews Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project Progress

During his visit to RWF, Shri Somanna assessed the plant’s key production units, including the forging complex, axle machining, and wheel casting sections.

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, inspected the Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) in Yelahanka today, followed by a review of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project in Bengaluru. The meeting was held alongside Shri M.B. Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure, with the presence of senior officials, including Shri Rajgopal, General Manager of RWF.

During his visit to RWF, Shri Somanna assessed the plant’s key production units, including the forging complex, axle machining, and wheel casting sections. He highlighted efforts to boost production capacity, such as the introduction of a third Axle Machining Line, projected to increase axle output by 40,000 units annually. Interacting with factory staff, Shri Somanna addressed their concerns and praised the factory for exceeding its 2023-24 production targets. He lauded RWF’s contribution to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, especially through exports to countries like Mozambique, Sudan, and Malaysia under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ campaign.

In a subsequent review of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, Shri Somanna focused on the Circular Railway Project, designed to enhance connectivity around Bengaluru. He stressed the importance of connecting densely populated areas to improve affordable transportation for the public. Notable progress was reported on the Chikkabanavara-Baiyyappanahalli and Heelalige-Rajanukunte segments, with both corridors expected to be completed by December 2026.

The review meeting also explored extending the suburban rail network to nearby cities like Tumkur, Mysore, and Kolar. Shri Somanna urged officials to expedite land acquisition and emphasized the need for coordination among Bengaluru Metro and other authorities to ensure timely project completion. Plans for integrating the suburban railway with the approved Circular Railway, at an estimated cost of ₹21,000 crores, were also discussed.