Bengaluru: The ongoing redevelopment work at Bengaluru Cantonment railway station has cost the 160-year-old building its heritage look.
While proposing the Rs 480-crore project, South Western Railway (SWR) had promised to preserve such structures. However, many of them, including a stone arch located on platform 1, have already made way for the redevelopment work.
"This structure was located between the tracks and posed safety risks. Cracks had also appeared on it, and retaining it in a dilapidated state wasn't a feasible option," an SWR official maintained.
Over a month ago, the circulating area located in front of the entry point was removed, and partially removed structures on the eastern side and old platforms were used to build pillars. Officials said the structures that were earlier demolished weren't part of the original station but extensions that accommodated the GRP (Government Railway Police) and RPF (Railway Protection Force) offices.
The landmark railway station losing its sheen hasn't gone down well with many people, who say SWR should have preserved the old structures and should have held a public consultation prior to taking up redevelopment work.
"The old masonry arch wall structure was in dilapidated condition and it wasn't technically feasible to rectify it. Therefore, to ensure public safety, the structure is demolished. To augment passenger facilities and amenities, Cantonment station is being redeveloped with this space being utilised suitably," an SWR spokesperson said.
When the redevelopment plans were announced, the station was handling a footfall of over 20,000 and earning Rs 7.4 lakh on an average daily. It was also handling 25 pairs of express and 16 pairs of passenger trains. To facilitate the ongoing work, SWR has made changes to the trains operated from the point.
SWR has promised "world-class" amenities, including an air concourse with waiting areas, three foot overbridges for passengers with lifts and escalators, and new north and south station buildings with modern amenities. The platforms will have amenities for the physically challenged. SWR has also proposed north and south-side basement parking with a circulating area for pickup and drop. The enhanced station buildings, air concourse, and circulating area will have retail outlets, food stalls, and other commercial establishments.
In the future, Cantonment station is set to turn into a transport hub. It will be linked with suburban rail and Namma Metro, which is building the Pink Line Metro near Bamboo Bazaar, close to the station. Authorities are still buying time to finalise the integration of various modes of transport.
"Given Cantonment railway station is a structure with a lot of history, something that has shaped the city so much, it's disappointing no attempt was made to incorporate heritage structures into the upgraded station. The structures could also then have told an important part of the city's story. A chance to innovatively show how the past can enhance the experience of the present has been lost," said Meera Iyer, of Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage.
A LONG, RICH HISTORY
Aug 1, 1864: A steam engine locomotive chugged down the railway track from Cantonment station to Jolarpet in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu
1882: Bengaluru was linked to the Mysuru line through a meter gauge line by Mysore State Railway. In the same year, Madras Railway Company linked Cantonment station to Bengaluru City station, from where lines were laid towards Guntakal, Mysuru & Tumakuru
Aug 11, 1920: Mahatma Gandhi addressed a big gathering near Cantonment station. This was his second visit to the city, with the first being in May 1915
June 14, 1959: First President of India, Rajendra Prasad, visited the station
1972: The station was subjected to remodelling and the then railway minister, K Hanumanthaiah, laid foundation for the work
April 1, 2003: The station became a part of SWR with the inception of the new railway zone
2019: SWR undertook beautification of the station, with paintings on the walls depicting freedom fighters, steam locomotives, and the cultural heritage of Karnataka