Bengaluru Cantonment railway station is expected to open its redeveloped facilities to the public within three months, with upgraded platforms, new access points, a large air-conditioned concourse, multilevel parking and renewable-energy systems. South Western Railway officials said 82.5% of the redevelopment work has been completed.
The station’s redevelopment is retaining its historic character while adding modern passenger facilities. Its exterior design is being inspired by the traditional Karnataka musical instrument sitar, while floral artwork on the pillars is intended to reflect Bengaluru’s identity as the Garden City. The project is also preserving the station’s heritage elements while introducing new architectural and operational features.
A large roof plaza is being built above the platforms to provide shade and create space for commercial activity. The station will include a 216-metre-wide air-conditioned concourse lounge, where passengers can sit comfortably. Separate routes for arriving and departing passengers have been designed to reduce crowding and improve circulation within the station.
The redevelopment includes basement parking and a five-storey, or G+5, multilevel parking facility for more than 1,000 cars and two-wheelers. New entrances are being constructed from the Vasanth Nagar and Millers Road sides in addition to the existing access points. The station will also include Braille maps, ramps, automatic lifts and escalators to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities and those requiring assistance.
The roof plaza is planned to include round-the-clock retail outlets, a food court and entertainment facilities. South Western Railway officials said the station would also receive a solar-energy roof, a rainwater harvesting system and a sewage treatment plant. The station requires about 3.11 lakh units of electricity a month, while rooftop solar panels with a total capacity of 1,852 kilowatts are expected to generate 2.25 lakh units monthly, covering about 72% of its electricity requirement.
The project has also expanded the station’s platform capacity. Of the four platforms previously available, only three could accommodate full-length 24-coach trains. Four additional platforms have been added, taking the number of full-length platforms to seven. The new platforms are being used separately for Vande Bharat Express services operating towards Coimbatore and Madurai, as well as MEMU suburban train operations. The older platforms will continue to handle other mail and express services.
Construction progress varies across the station complex. The south-side station building is 94% complete, while its basement and circulation area are 20% complete. The north-side station building is 69% complete, with its reinforced cement concrete structure 98% complete. Flooring, finishing, lifts, escalators, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and plumbing work have been completed in several areas. Façade design, interior painting, false ceilings, artwork and signage are still under way.
The first and second foot overbridges are reported to be 47% and 68% complete respectively. Work on the third foot overbridge, including staircases at platforms 2/3, 1/1A and 1D/1E, has progressed, while escalator and lift installation is continuing.
The station began operations for British military use in 1862 and opened to the public in 1864. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for its redevelopment in June 2022, and construction began in May 2023. Railway Minister of State V. Somanna said the project is part of Indian Railways’ station redevelopment programme and is expected to be inaugurated in three to four months. He also said connectivity with the upcoming Namma Metro Pink Line, which passes through Cantonment, is being addressed as part of the wider transport upgrade.
