The Bengaluru Cantonment-Whitefield railway line is a vital route in the city's rail network, serving thousands of daily commuters. To tackle congestion and increase train frequency, the quadrupling project was initiated under the Prime Minister Gati Shakti program. The project involves adding two additional tracks alongside the existing ones to enhance train operations.

According to a senior South Western Railway (SWR) official, the project is 75% complete and is expected to be fully operational by December 2025. The additional tracks will allow for more trains, reducing delays and improving overall efficiency.

Demolition of Byappanahalli Metro Foot Overbridge

As part of the project, the foot overbridge (FOB) at Byappanahalli Metro station, connecting towards Kasturi Nagar, will be demolished. However, to minimize disruption to commuters, the existing bridge will remain operational until a new foot overbridge is constructed at an estimated cost of ₹4 crore. The new bridge will be funded by the railways and replace the section spanning the railway tracks.

This step is essential for facilitating track expansion and improving connectivity at Byappanahalli, a key junction in Bengaluru's railway network.

Why is the Quadrupling Project Important?

The Bengaluru Cantonment-Whitefield line currently experiences a capacity utilization of over 100%, causing frequent delays and congestion. The quadrupling project aims to:
✅ Increase track capacity to accommodate more trains
✅ Reduce train detentions and delays
✅ Improve suburban and long-distance connectivity
✅ Enhance passenger convenience with better infrastructure

The section covers six major stations:

• Bengaluru Cantonment

• Bengaluru East

• Byappanahalli

• KR Puram

• Hoodi

• Whitefield

Project Timeline & Challenges

• The quadrupling project was originally proposed in the 1997-98 railway budget. However, land acquisition issues delayed progress for years.

• In 2017, the project was revised to exclude KSR Bengaluru City station, and in March 2018, the ₹492.8 crore budget was sanctioned.

• The project faced multiple delays, pushing the deadline from 2022 to 2025.

Despite challenges, the project is now on track for completion by December 2025.

Other Key Infrastructure Developments in Byappanahalli

1. Rail Overbridge (ROB) at Byappanahalli

• The 810-meter-long ROB was initially proposed in 2010-11 to improve connectivity to the Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal.

• After a decade-long delay, it was finally completed in 2021.

2. Proposed Rotary Flyover at Byappanahalli

• The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has proposed a ₹380 crore rotary flyover near Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal.

• The project, announced in February 2024, aims to ease traffic congestion. However, challenges related to high bidding costs may lead to re-tendering.

3. Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

• The long-awaited Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project is making steady progress.

• A 7.4-km section of Corridor 2 (Chikkabanavara to Yeshwantpur) is expected to become operational by 2025.

Conclusion

The Bengaluru Cantonment-Whitefield railway line quadrupling project is a crucial infrastructure upgrade that will enhance train capacity, reduce congestion, and improve suburban rail connectivity. With 75% of the work completed, the project is set to be operational by December 2025.

As Bengaluru continues to expand, such projects play a key role in modernizing the city's transportation network and providing better services to commuters.

The Current active IPO are Infonative Solutions Limited,Spinaroo Commercial Limited,Retaggio Industries Limited,Identixweb Limited.

The Closed IPOs are  ATC Energies System Limited, Shri Ahimsa Naturals Limited, Desco Infratech Limited

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.