One of Bengaluru's Busiest Railway Station, KSR, To Become A Rs 1,000 Crore Airport-Like Hub: Report

Bengaluru: Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station at Majestic, one of Bengaluru's busiest transport hubs, is set to undergo a major overhaul. With a daily footfall of approximately 175,000 passengers, the South Western Railway (SWR) has finalised a detailed master plan to transform the station into a world-class facility. The renovation, estimated to cost over Rs 1,000 crore, aims to provide amenities comparable to those found at airports, as per a report by TH.

The redevelopment plan, approved by the Railway Ministry in 2022, will model KSR Railway Station after the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) at Baiyappanahalli, India’s first fully air-conditioned railway terminal. Inaugurated on June 6, 2022, SMVT has already alleviated some pressure on KSR by taking over several train services connecting Bengaluru with North and Northeast India.

SWR officials said that the renovation would introduce green features and significantly enhance passenger convenience. The redesigned station will include a wider concourse exceeding 100 metres, increased waiting hall capacity, improved pick-up and drop-off points, spacious basement parking, and food courts. The goal is to provide rail services that match the comfort and efficiency of air travel.

To ensure minimal disruption to daily train operations, the renovation will be executed in phases. "The renovation will proceed gradually, with sections being demolished and rebuilt sequentially to ensure minimal inconvenience to the public and smooth completion of the work," said a senior SWR official.

Passengers have welcomed the move, talking about the current congestion and inadequate amenities at the station. "The existing station is a bit congested. At any given time, there are hundreds of passengers on the platforms and in the station. The plan to upgrade the station is good and much needed. The washrooms are not clean and are always crowded. The renovation should focus on basic amenities for passengers, such as washrooms, and parking," said a frequent rail user in the report.

Another passenger, expressed cautious optimism: "Usually, the authorities come up with fancy terms like 'airport-like railway station', but the reality after implementation is often different. That should not be the case with this renovation. They should actually implement what they promise and ensure the focus is on passenger-friendly amenities."

With the master plan now prepared, work on the renovation is expected to commence soon. Officials believe that once completed, KSR Railway Station will not only meet but exceed the needs of its growing passenger base, solidifying its position as one of the busiest and most advanced railway stations in India.