Baiyappanahalli rail station to get major makeover

With the aim of taking the load off Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) station in Majestic, the Centre will upgrade the Baiyappanahalli Railway Station on international standards.

To develop Baiyappanahalli on global standards, the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd (IRSDC) on Monday held a meeting with builders and investors from the city to invest on the proposed project comprising 26 lakh sq ft of built-up area.

Making use of the 132 acres of land available in and around Baiyappanahalli station, the IRSDC proposes to develop six additional platforms, four station buildings, an access road, bus bay and a foot-over-bridge at the station. According to the plan, the Baiyappanahalli station will also feature a passenger lounge on the lines of airports allowing passengers to rest while waiting for trains. Besides, the station will have 30 acres of land that could be commercially developed under private-public participation (PPP).

IRSDC, which is estimating a Rs 250-crore investment from private firms and builders, will offer built-up areas to investors and builders on a 99-year lease for commercial and residential purpose, while the project is expected to be completed in 6-8 years. The South Western Railway (SWR) is currently building a third station terminal at the station for which it has already invested Rs 150 crore.

Speaking to DH about the project, Sanjeev Dyamannavar, city transport activist said, “The idea appears to be nice. At last the station will witness international standards. However, it would be ideal if the railways involve BMTC, BMRCL, BBMP and BDA in the coordination committee and work together.