The long-awaited Bengaluru Cantonment-Whitefield railway line quadrupling project is now on track for completion by December 2025, according to a senior official from South Western Railway (SWR).

The project, which involves adding a third and fourth railway line alongside the existing two tracks, is being executed under the Prime Minister Gati Shakti initiative in the Bengaluru division. These additional lines will help increase train frequency, reduce congestion, and minimise delays.

Byappanahalli Metro FOB to Be Demolished As part of the quadrupling project, SWR has announced plans to demolish the foot overbridge (FOB) at Byappanahalli Metro station (towards Kasturi Nagar) by November 2025. However, officials have assured that the demolition will take place only after a new FOB is constructed.

The existing skywalk was built by Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), and its removal has raised concerns among urban planners and rail enthusiasts. Many argue that if BMRCL and SWR had considered future railway expansion, this demolition could have been avoided.

A similar incident occurred in 2020, when the Jayadeva flyover, built by the BDA at a cost of Rs 210 million, was demolished to make way for the Namma Metro Yellow Line (RV Road-Bommasandra).

Expanding Bengaluru’s Railway Infrastructure With 100% electrification of Bengaluru's broad-gauge railway network already achieved, the quadrupling project is expected to further boost the city’s railway infrastructure, improve efficiency, and accommodate future demand.

As Bengaluru continues to grow, such projects are crucial for enhancing connectivity, reducing travel times, and integrating different modes of transport for a smoother commuting experience.