Cantt-Whitefield rail quadrupling now set for 2027

Cantt-Whitefield rail quadrupling is now targeted for completion by March 2027. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

According to Times of India, the 19-km project was approved in 2018 at an estimated cost of Rs 492 crore. SWR says 75% of the work has been completed. The upgraded corridor is meant to reduce congestion on a busy Bengaluru route. It links the central business district with Whitefield, the city’s IT hub.

The Bengaluru Cantonment to Whitefield corridor includes Bengaluru East, Byappanahalli, KR Pura, and Hoodi Halt. When sanctioned, the railways estimated the line would benefit about 62,000 commuters each day.

Still, the work has faced repeated delays, with several earlier deadlines announced and missed. The estimated cost has now risen to Rs 664.5 crore.

Cantt-Whitefield rail quadrupling work status

SWR officials said 25% of the project is still pending. The 5-km first phase between Cantonment and Byappanahalli West Cabin has already been commissioned.

“The rest of the stretch from Byappanahalli to Whitefield, spanning 14 km, will be completed by March 2027,” an official said.

Officials cited several challenges. These include work inside city limits, machinery movement, and utility shifting. They also include major yard remodelling at Byappanahalli, KR Pura, and Whitefield. In addition, retaining walls are needed because railway land is limited.

Once complete, the corridor will improve mobility. At present, an average of 47 up trains operates daily on the Bengaluru Cantonment-Byappanahalli section. Also, an average of 47 down trains operates there daily. The Byappanahalli-Whitefield stretch carries 40 up and 40 down services.

One additional dedicated MEMU rake can allow up to 14 more up services daily. Also, it can allow up to 14 more down services daily. This excludes a three-hour corridor block. The estimated end-to-end journey time between Cantonment and Whitefield is 35 minutes.

Separately, plans exist to expand services towards Tumakuru, Hosur, and Kuppam, depending on demand. Maintenance facilities at Banaswadi railway station will need to be upgraded. The upgrade will support additional MEMU rakes.

Station works at Whitefield and KR Pura

Meanwhile, related station works are also under way. At Whitefield railway station, redevelopment is nearing completion. The works include platform shelters, a new food plaza, parking facilities, and landscaping. Work on a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge is in progress.

At KR Pura, vehicle parking, a VIP lounge, and pay-and-use toilets have been completed. Shelters on Platform 4 and the third entry building are under construction. The foot overbridge will follow yard remodelling.

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