The Bengaluru railway division saw strong growth across sectors including freight, parcels, catering and infrastructure development. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
The Bengaluru division of the South Western Railway recorded an all-time high passenger revenue of ₹2,420.55 crore in the financial year 2025-26, surpassing its previous high of ₹2,219.67 crore, officials said.
Speaking at a press conference at the divisional office on Thursday, Divisional Railway Director Ashutosh Kumar Singh said the division has seen strong growth across sectors, including freight, parcels, catering and infrastructure development. Apart from passenger revenue, merchandise revenue rose to ₹351.07 crore from ₹327.74 crore earlier, while package revenue rose to ₹140.31 crore. Catering services generated ₹17.37 crore and ticket control revenue reached a record ₹39.68 crore.
Projects completed
Mr. Singh said that on the infrastructure front, several key projects have been completed to increase capacity and operational efficiency. “Doubling and electrification work has started between Belandur Road and Carmelaram (3.522 km) and across Makkajipalli–Nagasamudram–Dharmavaram section (28.6 km). A new 24-km railway line connecting Tumakuru, Urukere and Thimmarajanahalli has also been completed,” he said.
Highlights (2025–2026)
Passenger revenue: ₹2,420.55 crore
Merchandise revenue: ₹351.07 crore
Package revenue: ₹ 140.31 crore
Cargo load: 2.13 million tons
Rake load: 2,681
The commissioning of the 4.92 km third and fourth tracks between Bengaluru Cantonment and Baiyyappanahalli West in Bengaluru is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve train movement.
More speed
Speed increases were made on several routes. “The section speed has been increased to 130 kmph on the Yelahanka-Dharmavaram section (161 km), while the speed has been increased to 110 kmph on the Chikkaballapur-Chintamani and Baiyyappanahalli-Omalur sections covering 131 km. Besides, the speed of 106 trains has been increased to reduce the travel time,” added Mr. Singh.
New services including Vande Bharat trains between Bengaluru and Belagavi and Ernakulam have been introduced to improve connectivity. A weekly Amrit Bharat service between SMVT Bengaluru and Alipurduar was also started along with express trains to Gwalior, Balurghat and Radhikapur. A total of 18 train connections were extended during the year.
Safety measures included the removal of eight level crossings and the commissioning of four road over-bridges and 10 road under-bridges
Freight traffic showed steady growth, with loadings increasing to 2.13 million tonnes from 2.07 million tonnes. The division reached its all-time rake load of 2,681 rakes, a 20% increase. Container loading stood at 0.765 million tonnes, while POL loading saw a sharp increase of 47% to 0.669 million tonnes, according to Mr Singh.
Passenger amenities have seen the introduction of digital initiatives such as the Namma Nakshe app at 14 major stations for easier navigation. The QR code based complaint system under RailMadad has been fully implemented in catering services along with QR based vendor ID cards.
The division also piloted the Mobile UTS Sahayak service at KSR Bengaluru City station to assist passengers in ticketing. A third restaurant for railway cars is also being put into operation at the station.
Special trains
“To cope with peak demand, 4,706 special train journeys were run during the year and 5,220 extra buses were added. In enforcement actions against hawkers, 144 cases were registered with 277 tickets confiscated and 144 people arrested. As part of social initiatives, 407 children and 27 adults in need of care were rescued and reunited with their families.
The division also achieved annual savings of ₹ 43.73 crore by converting 14 trains from diesel to electric traction.
Published – 02 Apr 2026 21:06 IST
