On Monday (27 November), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the transformation of Yeshwantpur Railway Station into a world-class facility, backed by a significant investment of Rs 377 crore.
Highlighting Yeshwantpur’s significance as one of India’s pivotal railway stations, the Minister underscored its role in facilitating train traffic from Bengaluru (city station), Hassan, Tumakuru, Hubli-Dharwad, and Delhi.
Following an inspection of ongoing civil work, Vaishnaw detailed the station’s future features.
The comprehensive redevelopment initiative, with a budget of Rs 377 crore, aims to connect both sides of the station, featuring entry points on both ends and an expansive roof plaza.
The redeveloped station would be able to cater to a daily projected footfall of over one lakh passengers. At present, the Yeshwantpur railway station handles nearly 60,000 passengers on a daily basis.
This plaza is envisioned as a spacious, comfortable waiting area where children can play, and local products can be showcased and sold, aligning with global standards for modern railway stations.
Vaishnaw emphasised that the redevelopment aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to enhance connectivity on both sides of the city using the railway station as a focal point, reports Economic Times.
Anticipating substantial traffic over the next two to three decades, given the convergence of suburban, mainline railway, and Metro services at Yeshwantpur, the Minister stressed the importance of preserving available land for future expansion.
In his discussions with the Railway team on Monday (27 November), Vaishnaw emphasised the strategic planning needed to accommodate the station’s future growth.
He urged the Railways to proactively design master plans that facilitate expansion, ensuring that even small parcels of land, down to a meter, are earmarked for future development.
This forward-looking approach aligns with the broader goal of seamlessly accommodating the anticipated rise in traffic and maintaining Yeshwantpur Railway Station as a robust transportation hub.