Transforming Dreams: SWR’s Grand Plan to Elevate KSR Railway Station into an Airport-like Hub in Bengaluru
Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Bengaluru Set for Major Overhaul
Bengaluru: The Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station at Majestic, an essential transit hub in Bengaluru, experiences an average daily footfall of 1,75,000 passengers. Officials anticipate KSR to become one of India’s busiest railway stations in the future, underscoring the necessity of its forthcoming renovation.
The South Western Railway (SWR) has finalized a comprehensive master plan estimated at over ₹1,000 crore to revamp the KSR Railway Station. The development will include world-class amenities similar to those at airports, modeled after the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) at Baiyappanahalli—India’s first fully air-conditioned railway terminal, inaugurated on June 6, 2022. The Railway Ministry approved the master plan for KSR’s renovation the same year.
The redevelopment aims to offer passengers enhanced conveniences and green features, aligning rail services with airport standards. The inauguration of the SMVT has already reduced some operational pressure on KSR by shifting several train services connecting Bengaluru with Northern and Northeastern India.
A senior SWR official revealed that the renovation at KSR will be executed in phases to minimize disruption to daily train operations. “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,” the official stated.
Post-renovation, the concourse’s width will exceed 100 meters. Passengers can expect improved capacity in waiting halls, better pick-up and drop-off points, a spacious basement parking facility, and the inclusion of food courts.
Regular passenger Abhishek Kumar expressed optimism about the upgrade, citing congestion and cleanliness issues at the current station. "The renovation should focus on basic amenities for passengers, such as clean washrooms and adequate parking," he said.
Another passenger, Vikram Sharma, emphasized the need for realistic implementation of the proposed enhancements. “Fancy terms like ‘airport-like railway station’ are often used, but execution must meet these promises by focusing on passenger-friendly amenities,” he remarked.
The long-awaited renovation plan, under consideration for several years, is now set to commence, promising a significant upliftment in passenger experience and station infrastructure.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/swr-finalises-master-plan-to-transform-ksr-railway-station-in-bengaluru-into-airport-like-hub/article68366887.ece
Category : Bengaluru
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