integrated rail system

Different things proposed to counter the transportation problem in namma bengaluru. Mono rail, metro (underground, elevated), rail to airport, etc. I have feeling that it might end up in fragmented network, where in you might end up using multiple ways to reach one point to other (auto, city bus then mono rail then metro and then airport train). This is a best opportunity to build an integrated system rather then ending up in a fragmented web. I have used many of the European public transport, saw it how convenient to have such integrated system. The major junctions would have one metro to another metro or airport line connectivity. Basically you don't have to leave the station (no ticket checking needed while you change the lines!). Most of the times, because of underground lines, the meshed network, connectivity is at its best.

Better planning is needed to facilitate such connectivity. One example is Helsinki, Finland , where they have dug one perpendicular tunnel below the tunnel that is being used. This is for future use! Going underground is 1.6 times costlier to the one that has elevated tracks. If we notice, if the project is delayed, the cost usually increases drastically. We could very well take up the underground approach and think that we built the elevated track some 3-4 years later :-). Underground station can give more coverage, by having more than two elevators to reach the track. Other points (ground level) of each elevator could be strategically placed. Going underground has another advantage that it does not touch the existing shopping/residential setup that much, which has been concern for Indiranagar shopping street. Bottom line, best to have a metro setup so as to cater future possible criss-crossed meshed tracks.