The Sir M Visvesvaraya Railway Terminal: What You Need to Know About India's First Centrally AC Station

In Bengaluru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Sir M Visvesvaraya Railway Terminal, which features airport-like amenities. The terminal has been ready since 2020, but the opening was delayed due to Covid-19 and a lack of connected roads. On June 6, the Karnataka government opened it to the public. During his two-day tour to the state, Modi dedicated the terminal as well as other railway infrastructure projects.

The Baiyappanahalli terminal is the consequence of the Centre's desire to modernize railway stations. The Indian Railways spent Rs 314 crore on the 4,200-square-metre terminal. Seven platforms, a completely air-conditioned lobby, and parking space for 900 two-wheelers and 250 four-wheelers are among the notable features and services that have garnered parallels to Kempegowda International Airport.

"Sir M Visvesvaraya is India's first centralized AC Terminal, serving as a model for future railway stations." It will address Bengaluru's future connectivity demands and promote the city as an epicenter of socioeconomic growth," the Union Ministry of Railways tweeted from its Twitter account.

FEATURES OF THE SIR M VISVESVARAYA RAILWAY TERMINAL

— The terminal is named after Bharat Ratna laureate Sir M Visvesvaraya and is modelled after Kempegowda International Airport. The terminal can serve 50,000 people each day.

— To accommodate 50 trains per day, the station features seven platforms, three pit lines, and eight stabling lines. There are six ticket counters, one of which is reserved for people with impairments.

— The station provides ample space for 50 autorickshaws and 20 taxis, as well as a dedicated bus zone.

— There is a VIP lounge, a waiting area, and a computerized real-time passenger information system inside the terminal. It also features a food court and connects to the subway through lifts, ramps, and stairways, as well as a foot overbridge.

— Throughout the station, posters with QR codes have been placed to access sign language movies outlining the station's architecture. Every level also includes many charging spots.

RAILWAY TERMINAL CONNECTIVITY SIR M VISVESVARAYA

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation has begun operating buses that will connect the terminal to every region of the city. The terminal is next to the Baiyappanahalli metro station on the Purple line.