EIB Global Loans €300 Million for Bengaluru Suburban Railway Network
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement | European Investment Bank (EIB Global) loans €300 million (~₹2,800 crore) for Bengaluru's suburban railway network. |
| Project Scope | Construction of 4 dedicated rail corridors, 149 km in length, with 58 stations and 2 depots. |
| Objectives | Reduce congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance affordable mobility. |
| EIB Vice-President | Nicola Beer emphasized the shift from road to rail. |
| Historical Context | EIB has committed €3.25 billion (~₹30,225 crore) since 2016 for Indian transport projects, including €500 million (~₹4,650 crore) for Bengaluru Metro. |
| Beneficiary Status | India is the largest recipient of EIB transport financing outside Europe. |
| Population Projections | Bengaluru's population expected to grow from 1.4 crore to 2 crore by 2030. |
| Environmental Impact | CO2 emissions projected to reduce by 43% upon project completion. |
| Ridership Projections | 4 lakh daily trips in the first year (2029); 14 lakh by 2040. |
| Other Metro Investments | Agra, Bhopal, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Pune. |