Redevelopment of Yesvantpur Railway station

Bangalore is one of the fastest-growing cities in India with a population of about 13 million. Due to rapid urbanization, the city is in constant need of innovative mobility strategies. Bangalore is connected to most Indian towns and cities via rail. The four major railway stations in the city are- Bangalore City railway station, Cantonment railway station, Yesvantpur railway station and Krishnaraja Puram railway station. With an average of 250 trains originating, halting and terminating weekly at Yesvantpur, the station requires easy and convenient access to public transit infrastructure and exchanges with other transport modes.

Indian Railways Collaboration with Architects

Recently, South Western railways have started appointing architects to enable well designed transit infrastructure in the zone. Design Sync Collaborative has contributed to the Redevelopment of Mysore railway station in 2019. The current project – Redevelopment of Yesvantpur Railway station signifies Design Sync’s continued commitment to urban renewal through sustainable intervention strategies.

Design Sync Collaborative is Transforming Urban Spaces

Public transit architecture is used as a catalyst for urban regeneration. Entering the project- during the canopy framework stage-Design Sync Collaborative conceptualised to include landscape features and accessible paths to connect all existing and proposed grey infrastructure. The team deployed effective strategies resulting in a well-planned socio-economic urban space with a positive impact on the neighbourhood.

Enhanced Accessibility and Connectivity

Yesvantpur Railway Station has two entrances- One from Yesvantpur Market and the other from Tumkur Highway. The entrance from Tumkur Highway was dealt during the first phase of this Redevelopment project.

To ease traffic participants from the Tumkur road, an additional road is provided for auto rickshaw, cab and private car entrance and exit. Signages help identify all drop-off and pick up points. Dedicated path for the bus entrance and exit has been designed. The work for the bus exit is currently under construction.

Seamless connectivity to platforms from all transport modes including buses, autos, metro station have been provided via wide ramps. The barrier-free and step-free entrance and exits enables convenient movement reducing the effort in carrying luggage.

Safe Public Spaces

Previously known as an unsafe urban area, the redevelopment effort has changed the character of public space in this railway station. The station is well-lit with the provision of street lights, bollards and lit signages making the zone much safer for people. Post relaxation of covid restrictions, direct bridge connectivity from metro and temporary commercial spaces are planned to further make the space livelier.

Inclusion of Art and Green Spaces

Although Bangalore is called a ‘Garden City’, the urban area is now losing its green lung due to rapid urbanisation. To increase green spaces, the project has consciously included rainwater harvesting and landscape elements to redefine the underutilised spaces and offer sustainable urbanism. Moreover, the array of flowering trees on the periphery of the curved path are set to fully grow in the next few years and offer greater environmental benefits and beauty in the future. This cost-effective way of including landscape and green spaces provides an incredible transformation of railways. Art collaboration with local artists has added value to the space. It not only invites more people and visitors but also improves city pride and the image of the city.

Design Sync Collaborative is thus actively contributing towards a carbon-free future via all its transformative urban projects in India.