Kochi: Train services between Bengaluru and Kerala continued to face disruptions on June 17 as renovation work at Bengaluru's KSR station entered its second day, forcing route changes, cancellations and station shifts, even as Indian Railways announced an extension of special train services between Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram until the end of July.

KSR yard renovation enters second day

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Passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Kerala faced continued inconvenience on June 17 as major yard remodelling work at Bengaluru Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) station entered its second day.

The infrastructure upgrade project, aimed at improving track efficiency and reducing future congestion, has affected several major train services operating across the South Western Railway zone. Railway authorities said the temporary disruption is necessary to facilitate long-term improvements to Bengaluru's railway network.

Several Kerala-bound trains shifted from KSR station

Due to the ongoing work, many trains that would normally originate from KSR Bengaluru station have been shifted to alternative terminals, including Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) and Yeshwantpur (YPR).

Railway officials urged passengers to verify their departure stations before travelling, as several services have undergone temporary operational changes.

Among the key changes:

  • Ernakulam Intercity services have been shortened and shifted to SMVT Bengaluru.
  • Kochuveli Express services have been rescheduled and shifted to Yeshwantpur station.
  • Island Express has been diverted and will not operate through KSR station.
  • Some services have been cancelled entirely, while others will terminate outside Bengaluru city limits.

Passengers advised to check train status before travel

Railways advised passengers to confirm the latest status of their trains through the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) before leaving for the station.

Travellers have also been encouraged to use the Rail Madad mobile application for real-time platform information and operational updates.

To minimise inconvenience:

  • Additional BMTC feeder bus services are operating to SMVT Bengaluru.
  • Passengers can access SMVT through Baiyappanahalli Metro Station.
  • Help desks have been established at KSR station to assist travellers.
  • Station announcements are being updated regularly to reflect operational changes.

Authorities also recommended that passengers leave earlier than usual to account for possible delays and congestion.

Refund process announced for cancelled trains

Indian Railways stated that passengers whose trains have been cancelled will receive refunds automatically if tickets were booked online.

Passengers who purchased tickets through reservation counters will need to visit the reservation office to claim their refunds.

Officials advised travellers to keep their PNR details readily available to speed up the refund and enquiry process.

Relief for Bengaluru-Kerala travellers as special trains extended

In a positive development for passengers travelling between Karnataka and Kerala, Railways has extended several Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram special train services until the end of July.

The extended services include:

  • SMVT Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Weekend Special (06523) on Tuesdays, extended from June 29 to July 27.
  • Thiruvananthapuram North–SMVT Bengaluru Special (06524) on Tuesdays, extended from June 30 to July 28.
  • SMVT Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Special (06547) on Wednesdays, operating from July 1 to July 29.
  • Thiruvananthapuram North–SMVT Bengaluru Special (06548) on Thursdays, operating from July 2 to July 30.
  • SMVT Bengaluru–Thiruvananthapuram North Special (06555) on Fridays, operating from July 10 to July 24.
  • Thiruvananthapuram North–SMVT Bengaluru Special (06556) on Sundays, operating from July 12 to July 26.

Temporary inconvenience for long-term benefits

Railway authorities said the ongoing yard modernisation project is designed to improve operational efficiency, increase track capacity and support future growth in passenger and freight traffic through Bengaluru.

While the work has temporarily disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers, officials maintain that the upgrades will help deliver smoother and more reliable train operations in the future.

Passengers have been advised to monitor official railway announcements, social media channels and enquiry platforms for the latest updates as the renovation work continues.