China-style elevated railway terminal at Yelahanka: What it means for Bengaluru Bengaluru-News News

As Bengaluru’s rail traffic continues to grow along with the city’s outward growth, railway officials are looking for new ways to manage passenger loads, train movements and land constraints. In this context, a major proposal by South Western Railways could significantly reshape the rail infrastructure in North Bengaluru. The project involves building India’s first multi-storey elevated railway terminal at Yelahanka, designed on the lines of major international rail hubs.

If approved, the new terminal will become Bengaluru’s fourth major railway station after KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwantpur and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal at Baiyappanahalli. Railway officials say the project aims to reduce congestion at existing terminals while preparing the city for future growth in long-distance and suburban rail travel.

A vertical terminal model for a land-starved city

Unlike conventional railway stations spread horizontally, the proposed Yelahanka Terminal will be built vertically. This approach has been chosen due to limited land availability and high land prices in North Bengaluru. As per the plan, the terminal will have 5 levels, consisting of a basement, a ground floor and 3 upper floors.

The vertical design allows railway operations, passenger movement, parking and commercial spaces to be housed within a compact footprint. Officials say the model is inspired by modern railway stations abroad, particularly China’s Hangzhou Railway Station, which integrate rail infrastructure with urban transportation and commercial development.

Platform Capacity and Train Handling

The terminal is planned to handle a large number of trains and passengers. It will have 16 platforms, making it one of the largest railway terminals in the region. In addition, the design includes 10 stabling lines where trains can be parked when not in service, and 15 pit lines for cleaning, inspection and routine maintenance.

Railway planners say this configuration will help streamline operations, reduce turnaround time of trains and improve scheduling efficiency. Shifting of select train services to Yelahanka is expected to reduce pressure on central stations like KSR Bengaluru.

Airport-style passenger movement

A key feature of the proposed terminal is its airport-style design. Entry and exit flows of passengers will be clearly separated to prevent crowding and bottlenecks. Departing passengers will have separate access points from arriving passengers, a feature rarely seen in conventional Indian railway stations.

Officials say the design is intended to improve safety, manage peak-hour congestion and provide a more predictable passenger experience. The multi-level layout will also allow smooth circulation between platforms, waiting areas and exit areas.

Cost, funding model and land use

The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 6,000 crore. Railway officials indicated that the terminal is likely to be developed under the public-private partnership model, allowing private participation in construction and station management while the railways retain operational control.

The location of the project was originally proposed at Devanahalli, but was later shifted to Yelahanka to take advantage of the existing railway land. The terminal will utilize approximately 15 acres of land of the rail wheel factory, as well as the space currently occupied by railway quarters. Officials say this reduces the need for large-scale land acquisition and speeds up plan approvals.

Metro and road connectivity

Connectivity has been an important consideration in choosing Yelahanka. The terminal is planned to be connected to the upcoming Kogilu Cross metro station on the Blue Line via an elevated walkway. This will provide seamless movement of passengers between metro and long distance rail services.

The main entrance of the terminal is expected to be located along the Yelahanka-Doddaballapur Highway, which will provide direct road access for private vehicles, buses and taxis. Officials say the location will help distribute traffic away from the city center.

Approval status and next steps

The proposal has been submitted to the Railway Board for approval and is currently in the preliminary stage. Bengaluru Divisional Railway Manager Ashutosh Kumar Singh has said that although the project is still under evaluation, it is being considered necessary in view of the rapid growth of North Bengaluru and increasing rail demand.

If approved, the Yelahanka Elevated Terminal could bring about a change in the way large railway stations are designed in Indian cities, especially where land constraints and passenger numbers demand innovative solutions.