South Western Railway (SWR) has begun installing a new passenger lift at Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru railway station, one of the busiest rail transport hubs in southern India.
The lift is being installed at Platform 9 and will connect the platform directly with the station’s foot overbridge. Once operational, it is expected to improve movement across the station, particularly for senior citizens, passengers with disabilities, families travelling with children and people carrying heavy luggage.
KSR Bengaluru reportedly handles approximately two lakh passengers every day. Managing such a high volume of travellers requires accessible and efficient connections between platforms, making lifts an increasingly important part of railway station infrastructure.
Improving Accessibility at a Busy Transport Hub
Foot overbridges are essential for safely distributing passengers across railway platforms, but stair-only access can create difficulties for people with limited mobility. The new lift will provide a step-free alternative for passengers travelling to and from Platform 9.
The installation also reflects the growing emphasis on accessible vertical transportation at public transit facilities across India. Lifts and escalators are becoming integral to railway modernisation projects as stations work to accommodate rising passenger numbers and deliver a more inclusive travel experience.
KSR Bengaluru, officially named after freedom fighter Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna, serves local, regional and long-distance passengers. Its location in central Bengaluru also provides connectivity with the city’s Metro and bus networks, increasing the importance of efficient passenger circulation within the station.
Platform 8 to Receive a Full Shelter
Alongside the lift installation, South Western Railway has started work on providing a full-length shelter at Platform 8. At present, only part of the platform is covered.
Platform 8 serves several long-distance trains travelling towards North Karnataka and destinations in Maharashtra and Gujarat. The additional shelter will offer passengers better protection from rain and other weather conditions while they wait for trains.
According to the report, the Bengaluru division of South Western Railway expects the platform shelter work to be completed by October 2026.
Vertical Mobility Gains Importance in Indian Railways
The project illustrates how relatively focused infrastructure improvements can make a meaningful difference at high-footfall railway stations. A strategically located lift can reduce dependence on staircases, support smoother movement through foot overbridges and improve access for passengers who may otherwise require assistance.
As railway stations across India are upgraded, vertical mobility systems will continue to play a central role in connecting platforms, concourses, foot overbridges and station entrances.
The new lift at Platform 9 and the expanded shelter at Platform 8 are expected to strengthen passenger convenience at KSR Bengaluru while supporting the station’s ability to manage its substantial daily footfall.
Source: The Times of India