BENGALURU: The city’s first centralised AC railway terminal seems to be slowly emerging as a tourist spot. From rail fans and bloggers to senior citizens and children, the airport-like Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal at Byappanahalli, which started operations on June 6, is drawing people from across the city.
At just Rs 10 (for platform ticket), anyone can experience the city’s first world-class railway terminal. Officials said the average footfall at the station is now around 200, but it is expected to increase during weekends. “Earlier, people in and around Byappanahalli used to visit, but now many from faraway places in the city are coming here. Most are taking pictures and videos and they are all happy to see the facilities,” said a railway official.
An ‘I love Bengaluru’ selfie spot at the station has already become a hit among children. The terminal’s facade is designed on the lines of Kempegowda International Airport.
“This is a state-of-the-art railway terminal. I read about it in the newspapers and thought of visiting. This has come out well and has set a new standard. The waiting hall and toilets are well designed. But the challenge is the maintenance part,” said Ravi Kumar, who visited the terminal along with his two daughters. “My daughters have never seen such a railway station. They first thought it was an airport.”
The station has seven platforms. The underground subway connecting platforms 1 to 7 showcases Bengaluru’s major landmarks. “This is different from the typical subways at railway stations. It is maintained well because of low footfall. Having charging points near seats, like at the airport, is really good. The seating arrangement (benches) on platforms is better than the steel chairs at normal railway stations. Overall, a good experience. But reaching this terminal is difficult as accessibility is poor,” said Revathy K from Jayanagar.
BMTC operates five routes (10 buses and 144 trips) from Sir MV Terminal at Byappanahalli to Channasandra, Central Silk Board, Nagawara and Munnekolalu Cross/Spice Garden.
Officials said only three trains are operational from the terminal so far: 12683/12684 Ernakulam Tri-weekly Express, 16320/16319 Kochuveli Humsafar Express, and 22353/22354 Patna-Humsafar Express. South Western Railway has also decided to introduce 06527/06528 Bangarpet unreserved Memu express from the terminal from June 20.
