BANGALORE: The Bangalore Division of South Western Railway (SWR) has sought the approval of the Railway Board to develop Byappanahalli as the third coaching terminal in the city. It is necessary since both Bangalore Central and Yeshwantpur Railway Stations are chocked due to introduction of several new trains in the recent past.Although Byappanahalli was not quite big enough to handle a large number of trains, it will make a modest beginning with stationing four to six trains, two pit lanes for maintenance and two for stationing trains. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 15-20 crore. Once the Railway Board approves the proposal, the work, probably will begin next year.“This will ease present burden on both Bangalore Central and Yeshwantpur Railway Station”, told divisional railway manager of Bangalore Division, Mani.Bangalore Central Station does not have a platform to accommodate new trains. There is no further scope for having new platforms, additional pit lanes and stabling lane. Similarly, Yeshwantpur Station is almost full and it is going to be chocked in the next one or two years, if, more trains are introduced.In view of this, the Bangalore Division of SWR is mooting the idea of developing Byappanahalli Station as third coaching termination point.This is not related to the development of Byappanahalli Metro Station.Some of the trains will arrive and depart from there without entering either Bangalore Central or Yeshwantpur Railway Stations. This project is part of greater plant for developing the Byappanahalli Station as a big chunk of land is available adjacent to that station.“There is no clash with Namma Metro but in fact it will compliment both the passengers”, Mani noted.Circular trainsThe DRM said the overnment is interested in having circular or sub-urban trains in the city and railways has already joined its hands with it. The scientific study about its feasibility is being entrusted to RITES and the report is expected within four months. Once the report is submitted, railways and officials of the State government will take a look into the project.Doubling workMani said the track doubling work on Bangalore-Mysore section is ready up to Ramanagaram, and the entire stretch is expected to be complete in 2013. When the doubling work is done electrification will not be a big issue.Thanks to intervention of chief secretary of state, railways has permitted the skywalk work between Yeshwantpur Railway Station and Yeshwantpur Metro Station. This is despite a dispute over ownership of the land. The government has promised to sort out the land issue.
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