SMVT to get Rs 17-cr upgrade, upkeep still a sore spot | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) at Byappanahalli is set for a Rs 17-crore upgrade to boost passenger comfort. Opened in 2022 at a cost of Rs 314 crore, the station will soon get a three-storey block even as concerns over poor upkeep persist.According to South Western Railway (SWR), foundation work is nearing completion, and structural work is expected to begin next year.
The ground floor of the 875sqm area building will feature a new ticket booking office. The first floor will house two waiting halls, including one dedicated exclusively to female passengers. The second floor will be designated for dormitories and retiring rooms, which passengers can book online or offline using their PNR numbers.Ongoing maintenance issuesWhile the upgrade is a positive development for passenger comfort, the station’s current maintenance standards are concerning. A reality check by TOI revealed stains on the tiled platforms, indicating inconsistent cleaning. Additionally, various spots on the modular foot overbridge have begun to rust.Despite being modelled after an airport with air conditioning, dedicated help desks, food courts, and foot overbridges, maintenance remains an issue. Although Bengaluru generally enjoys cooler weather, the fully enclosed terminal feels uncomfortably warm. “I’m not sure if the AC is functioning properly. I’ve been here for some time; initially, it worked, but now it feels very warm inside,” said a food court vendor.The Bangalore Metro & Suburban Passengers Association has called for improved connectivity to the station from the nearby Swami Vivekananda Road metro station. “When I travelled to Kolkata a few months ago, I realised that there needs to be better connectivity to the station, especially during late-night hours for passengers. Although the terminal is good in terms of infrastructure, maintenance needs to improve, as many passengers, particularly migrants travelling to other states, use this station,” remarked Rajesh Bhat, a passenger.
