City faces major train service delays due to platform shortage

Bengaluru’s major railway stations, including Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR), Sir M. Visvesvaraya, and Yeshwantpur, are grappling with overcrowding due to inadequate platforms.

Current infrastructure struggles to accommodate the large number of passengers, resulting in long delays as trains often wait for up to 30 minutes to reach platforms. KSR has 10 platforms, Yeshwantpur has 6, and Sir M. Visvesvaraya has 7, but many trains still face delays due to the lack of available platforms. Additionally, the positioning of some tracks—some elevated and others at ground level—makes interchange between trains impossible in some areas. Trains arriving from Mysore, Cantonment, and Yeshwantpur stations often have to wait at signals for extended periods due to limited track space and the complex infrastructure.

To resolve these issues, several proposals have been put forward, including the construction of new terminals in Devanahalli and Nelamangala. Additionally, a new track is being considered for better connectivity to neighboring states. A feasibility report for a new coach terminal near Venkategirikote, along National Highway 44, is underway, with hopes of easing congestion and providing better service for commuters. The current infrastructure demands immediate upgrades, including double tracking and the construction of more elevated bridges and underground pathways to ensure smooth train operations and ease passenger movement.