All-time high passenger revenue of ₹2,420 crore recorded by Bengaluru railway division in 2025–26

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 best of ₹2,219.67 crore, according to officials.

Divisional Railway Manager Ashutosh Kumar Singh, addressing a press conference at the divisional office on Thursday, said the division witnessed robust growth across sectors, including freight, parcel, catering and infrastructure development. Apart from passenger earnings, goods revenue rose to ₹351.07 crore from ₹327.74 crore earlier, while parcel revenue increased to ₹140.31 crore. Catering services generated ₹17.37 crore, and ticket checking revenue reached a record ₹39.68 crore.

Projects completed

Mr. Singh said that on the infrastructure front, several key projects were completed to enhance capacity and operational efficiency. “Doubling and electrification works were commissioned between Belandur Road and Carmelaram (3.522 km), and across the Makkajipalli–Nagasamudram–Dharmavaram section (28.6 km). A new 24-km railway line connecting Tumakuru, Urukere and Thimmarajanahalli was also completed,” he said.

Within Bengaluru, the commissioning of the third and fourth lines between Bengaluru Cantonment and Baiyyappanahalli West over 4.92 km is expected to ease congestion and improve train movement.

Greater speed

Speed enhancements were undertaken across multiple routes. “Sectional speed was increased to 130 kmph on the Yelahanka–Dharmavaram stretch (161 km), while speeds were raised to 110 kmph on the Chikkaballapur–Chintamani and Baiyyappanahalli–Omalur sections covering 131 km. In addition, speeds of 106 trains were upgraded to reduce travel time,” Mr. Singh added.

To improve connectivity, new services were introduced, including Vande Bharat trains between Bengaluru and Belagavi and Ernakulam. An Amrit Bharat weekly service between SMVT Bengaluru and Alipurduar, along with express trains to Gwalior, Balurghat and Radhikapur, were also launched. A total of 18 train services were extended during the year.

Safety measures included the elimination of eight level crossings and the commissioning of four Road Over Bridges and 10 Road Under Bridges

Freight operations showed steady growth, with loading increasing to 2.13 million tonnes from 2.07 million tonnes. The division achieved its highest-ever rake loading of 2,681 rakes, a 20% rise. Container loading stood at 0.765 million tonnes, while POL loading registered a sharp 47% increase to 0.669 million tonnes, according to Mr. Singh.

Passenger amenities saw the introduction of digital initiatives such as the Namma Nakshe app at 14 major stations, enabling easier navigation. A QR code-based complaint system under RailMadad has been fully implemented in catering services, along with QR-based identity cards for vendors.

The division also piloted the Mobile UTS Sahayak service at KSR Bengaluru City station to assist passengers with ticketing. A third rail coach restaurant is also under commissioning at the station.

Special trains

“To manage peak demand, 4,706 special train trips were operated and 5,220 extra coaches were added during the year. In enforcement actions against touts, 144 cases were registered, with 277 tickets seized and 144 persons arrested. Under social initiatives, 407 children and 27 adults in need of care were rescued and reunited with their families, Mr Singh said.

The division also achieved annual savings of ₹43.73 crore by converting 14 trains from diesel to electric traction.