Bangalore, July 8 (IANS): A high speed train would be introduced from Mysore to Chennai via Bangalore by upgrading the present rail network, Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said Tuesday.
"While bullet trains would require new infrastructure, higher speed for existing trains will be achieved by upgrading the present network.
"An effort will be made to increase the speed of trains to 160-200 kmph in select sectors to reduce travel time between major cities," Gowda said while announcing introduction of high speed trains in nine sectors across the country.
Gowda Tuesday presented his maiden railway budget in the Lok Sabha.
At present, the railways operate a Shatabdi Express six days a week from Mysore to Chennai, covering a distance of 500 km in seven hours while an express train takes almost 11 hours to cover the same distance.
Gowda, who hails from Karnataka and represents the Bangalore North parliamentary constituency, said Byyappanahalli station in the city's eastern suburb would be developed as a coaching terminal.
As Bangalore attracts large commuters from surrounding rural areas and towns, Gowda said the city would be connected with its suburban areas and hinterland.
"A study to explore possibility of enhancing the existing rail network of Bangalore for meeting its present and future needs will be taken up," Gowda said in his 75-minute budget speech outlining the rail proposals.