Coming soon: Mega Coaching Terminal near Devanahalli railway station, to decongest Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed Mega Coaching Terminal near Devanahalli station, or at any suitable location along the Yelahanka–Devanahalli–Chikkaballapur corridor.

Sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹1.35 crore, this strategic initiative aims to decongest Bengaluru’s saturated railway infrastructure and meet the rising demand for passenger services in the region.

Why a new terminal is needed

With a population of around 11.5 million, Bengaluru ranks as India’s fifth most populous metro.

Its railway system currently operates with just three terminals and 12 pit lines, handling 140 originating, 139 terminating, and 142 pass-through trains daily, along with 110 primary maintenance trains.

In 2024–25, the city witnessed 103.72 million originating passengers and a total footfall of 212.06 million.

Existing terminals KSR Bengaluru, Yesvantpur, and SMVT Bengaluru are already stretched, and future projections of 210 originating trains per day could overwhelm the system.

Current constraints

The network faces multiple operational bottlenecks: fully utilized pit lines, overcrowded platforms, frequent train delays, high empty rake movements due to insufficient stabling lines, and no dedicated goods corridor.

Urban density has made expansion at existing sites nearly impossible. While short-term steps like train rerouting and terminal shifts have been implemented, long-term solutions are crucial.

Devanahalli terminal: A long-term vision

The proposed terminal at Devanahalli, located outside the city core, will function as a fourth major terminal, redistributing traffic and enhancing operational flexibility.

It will include 12 pit lines , five washing lines (ACWP-equipped), 24 stabling lines, six heavy repair bay lines, two pit wheel lathe lines, and six sick lines, along with support infrastructure such as loco bays, a 50-tonne boot laundry, administrative buildings, and stores.

With the capacity to handle 36 rakes per day, the terminal is poised to significantly boost Bengaluru’s railway maintenance and traffic-handling capability.

The FLS sanction reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to building future-ready infrastructure and supporting the city’s continued growth through sustainable and efficient rail operations, a press statement signed by Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi,  Chief Public Relations Officer, SWR, Hubballi, has said.