SWR officials maintain that amenities are provided depending on the ‘category’ of a station

​A robust suburban rail network for the city remains a dream as the central and State governments are yet to reach a consensus on various issues, including the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle, to take up the project on a large scale.

However, regular passengers, who rely on the existing suburban trains to commute to offices in Whitefield, Bommasandra and other areas, want South Western Rail (SWR) to upgrade amenities at various stations. This will encourage more people to take the train to work. The problems include lack of last-mile connectivity and amenities such as shelters, parking space, restrooms, and foot-overbridges.

At Heelalige station, a bell is rung to announce the arrival of trains. | Photo Credit: By Special Arrangement

Manjunath, who works in Bommasandra industrial area, travels from Hebbal to Heelalige every day. He said, “I live in Yelahanka New Town. Going by bus or other modes of transport to reach my work place in Bommasandra, which is located more than 40 km away, will take up to three hours. To avoid traffic and travel expenses, I take the Yeshwantpur to Hosur train from Hebbal. Travelling in train is cheaper than other modes of transport. But last-mile connectivity is an issue at Heelalige station. Many employees rent a private passenger vehicle to reach their workplace.”

According to Sanjeev Dymannavar, commuter rail activist, the SWR should work optimise existing infrastructure to provide more train services on these lines. For example, in February, automatic signalling was commissioned between Cantonment and Whitefield. “This has facilitated SWR to operate more trains during peak hours. Also, the authorities should introduce more amenities at stations like Bellandur, Hoodi and Heelalige,” he said.

SWR officials maintain that amenities are provided depending on the 'category' (revenue generated and passenger footfall) of a station. E. Vijaya, Deputy General Manager and Chief Public Relations Officer, said, “Standard amenities are available at these stations. However, work on some additional amenities is being undertaken.”

Little shelter at Hoodi Railway Station

Hoodi station is underdeveloped when compared to other stations. | Photo Credit: By Special Arrangement

With sparse shelter and lack of signage, Hoodi station is underdeveloped when compared to other stations. Though it has been recently improved in terms of infrastructure and got a pedestrian bridge, it lacks drinking water facilities and restrooms. “The restrooms are only for the use of authorities. We need to fight with railway staff if we want to use them,” said a commuter.

Even though unlicenced vendors and beggars aren’t allowed on the premises, the rule is not strictly implemented with a few managing to board trains. The issue comes under the purview of the Railway Protection Police.

Not all trains stop at this station. Like at most stations, there is a lack of signage naming the trains that halt at this station. Some trains make an unofficial stop.

“You can always ask people about the trains that halt here. If you don’t want to do that, you can always turn to technology. There are apps for trains, like the ‘Where is My Train’ app,” said K.N. Manasa, a commuter.

Such apps not only mention the expected arrival time and schedule of trains but also track delays.

Commuters happy with Whitefield Railway Station

A ticketing window at Bellandur station. | Photo Credit: By Special Arrangement

As Whitefield is a popular stop, commuters have access to better infrastructure and facilities, including waste disposal bins. However, commuters say that drinking water facilities are of sub-par quality.

There are waiting rooms, but they are mainly used by dogs, said commuters adding that washrooms have a pungent smell and are not well maintained.

For the most part, though, commuters who use the station are happy with the amenities. There is, however, a clear disparity between old and new trains. The new trains have better seats, fans that work and more legroom.

During peak morning and the evening hours, however, passengers said the trains are so crowded that there is no space to stand. Pickpocketing is a common complaint.

The ground floor of Bellandur Road railway station has a vacant room with barricades to prevent people from using it. | Photo Credit: By Special Arrangement

“Four days ago, a man who was near the door fell off the Swarna train. There was no space inside. Everyone was pushing and pulling,” said Mukunda M., a regular commuter who was on his way to KGF when the incident took place.

Fellow passengers immediately pulled the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt. He was brought back on to the train, given water, and taken to a hospital. “Fortunately, his injuries were not fatal,” Mukunda added.

Bellandur Road Railway Station lacks basic amenities

The platform at Bellandur Road Railway does not have a roof because of which passengers do not get protection from the sun and rain. The ground floor of the station building has a vacant room with barricades to prevent people from using it. The first floor houses the ticketing counter, which is also the office of the station master.

With one track and one platform, the station handles 4 daily and 6 non-daily (excluding Sunday) trains going towards Salem and K.S.R. Bengaluru. The station lacks basic amenities such as toilets, medical aid centre, and dust bins. The lone drinking water point had a broken tap and no supply of water.

Carmelaram Railway Station: A cut above the rest

Passengers who use Carmelaram Railway Station are waiting for completion of the under construction foot-overbridge that will connect the two platforms. This station has better amenities compared to others on the suburban line network. It is a well-maintained by a dedicated team of 14 staff members who prioritise cleanliness.

The platform has a water cooler with several functioning drinking points that provide 24-hour supply. A display board shows availability of WiFi connectivity, but the facility could not be accessed on a mobile phone.

A non-functional drinking water point at Bellandur Road railway station. | Photo Credit: By Special Arrangement

A public toilet block, which included a Divyanjan Friendly Toilet, on a platform was locked, but is opened during rush hours. Adequate lighting and a common waiting area make this station a pleasant change from the others.

Announcements regarding trains are made on speakers by the on-duty station master. The station has an active 24-hour computerised ticket counter of PRS (Public Reservation System) and UTS (Unreserved Ticket System).

Commuters point to the wet and dry waste bins that encourages segregation of waste at source. Wheelchair facilities for the elderly is available.

Heelalige Railway Station

Of the two platforms, only one has a small roof. In the absence of a foot-overbridge, commuters often cross over the railway lines. There are two drinking water points out which one is non-functional and does not have a tap. The other has only one functional tap.

On the plus side, the station has an adequate number of wet and dry waste bins, a restroom, wheelchair facilities for the elderly, and is well-maintained.

However, according to a frequent passenger, the public toilet remains locked and is used only by railway staff. There is a small common waiting area with adequate seating and information boards displaying train details like arrival, departure, train numbers and helpline numbers.

Another display board shows availability of WiFi connectivity but could not be accessed on a phone. A bell is used to announce the arrival of trains.