These Bengaluru’s railway stations to get airport-style passenger holding areas by 2026!

KSR, SMVT, and KR Puram stations to introduce modular waiting zones for 7,000 passengers, ensuring smoother travel and reduced platform congestion.

In a major boost for passenger convenience, Bengaluru’s three key railway stations, Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) at Majestic, Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) at Byappanahalli, and KR Puram, are set to undergo a significant transformation. The South Western Railway (SWR) has begun work to create modular holding areas capable of accommodating up to 7,000 passengers. These facilities are expected to be ready by next year.

Unlike the current open concourses, the new holding areas will be accessible only to passengers with valid journey tickets, ensuring better crowd management and cleaner spaces. The system, inspired by airport waiting lounges, will allow passengers to wait comfortably before boarding, away from the congested platforms.

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Each station will feature segregated zones based on train timings and destinations, similar to the system followed at airports. This structure will help regulate passenger movement and reduce overcrowding during rush hours.

The facilities will include toilets, ticket counters, automatic vending machines, and free RO drinking water, offering improved convenience while maintaining orderliness across stations.

SWR officials said that the initiative will also help decongest platforms by moving waiting passengers to designated areas, improving safety and ensuring smoother train operations. However, they acknowledged that space remains a challenge, especially at KSR and Yeswantpur stations. Work is ongoing to identify suitable areas to meet project requirements.

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A similar upgrade has been planned for Mysuru railway station, which will soon have its own modular holding area to manage growing passenger traffic.

The project is part of the Ministry of Railways’ nationwide modernisation drive, which covers 76 stations across India. Bengaluru’s model draws inspiration from New Delhi’s Yatri Suvidha Kendra, known for efficiently managing festive season crowds.

Once completed, these upgrades will give Bengaluru’s rail infrastructure a much-needed facelift, bringing it closer to global standards of comfort and efficiency.