Phased modernisation aims to improve accessibility, passenger comfort and station aesthetics
MANGALURU: Redevelopment of Mangaluru Junction Railway Station (MAJN) under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is progressing in phases, with Southern Railway reporting completion of multiple passenger-centric works and ongoing construction to further enhance accessibility and infrastructure.
Phase I has focused on immediate visible upgrades to the station’s frontage and circulation, while Phase II concentrates on enhanced passenger comfort, access and extended shelter coverage on the platforms. Southern Railway provided the project status and said a mix of completed and in-progress works aim to modernise the station for growing footfall and improved commuter experience.
- Completed (Phase I): upgraded station porch and façade; developed circulating area; automated ticket vending machines; modernised booking office with new display boards; a waiting hall; a 6,270 sq m parking area; roofing works; new parcel office; and a 10-bay platform shelter on Platform 1.
- Completed (Phase II elements): sleeping pod facility on the first floor; landscaping in the circulating area; dedicated Divyangjan facilities including parking, sinks and toilets; porch pillar works; entrance arch and approach road compound wall.
- Under construction: extension of the station building; IRS-type platform shelters covering 11 bays (six bays completed so far); six-metre-wide foot overbridge; lifts for Platforms 1 and 2 (foundation and structural fabrication completed); and reconstruction and repair of Platforms 2 and 3.
"The redevelopment is being executed in phases to ensure minimal disruption while delivering modern passenger amenities and accessibility improvements," Southern Railway said in a status update.
Local impact and connectivity
The works are expected to benefit a broad cross-section of users — daily commuters, long-distance passengers, elderly travellers and persons with disabilities. The dedicated facilities for Divyangjan and the provision of lifts on multiple platforms address long-standing accessibility concerns at MAJN, which serves as a key rail hub for Mangaluru city and coastal Karnataka.
Expansion of parking to 6,270 sq m and the creation of landscaped circulation areas are likely to ease vehicular congestion around the station, while a modernised booking office and automated ticket vending machines will reduce queues and improve passenger flow. The six-metre-wide foot overbridge aims to expedite cross-platform movement, particularly during peak hours and festival periods when station footfall rises substantially.
Technical upgrades and platform works
Platform upgrades include roofing extension towards the Nethravati End and IRS-type shelters on Platforms 2 and 3, bringing additional covered bays to protect passengers from heavy monsoon rains — a recurrent challenge in coastal Karnataka. Southern Railway also noted upgradation of the panel room, with work on cable concealment, wall cladding and flooring in progress, signalling attention to operational reliability and safety.
| Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Station porch and façade | Completed (Phase I) |
| Parking area | Completed — 6,270 sq m |
| Platform shelters | Platform 1: 10-bay shelter completed; Platforms 2 & 3: IRS-type covers (6 of 11 bays completed) |
| Foot overbridge | Being erected — 6 m wide |
| Lifts (Platforms 1 & 2) | Foundations and structural fabrication completed |
What remains and implications for commuters
Key pending items include completion of the remaining platform shelter bays, full extension of the station building, finishing works for the panel room and reconstruction of Platforms 2 and 3. While portions of the project are already serving the public, commuters should expect intermittent work-related diversions or temporary restrictions at specific areas until the construction is fully completed.
For Mangaluru — a city with growing passenger traffic due to tourism, education centres and commerce — the upgrades under ABSS are intended to raise the station to contemporary standards adopted at other redeveloped junctions. Improved amenities and accessibility are also likely to support better last-mile connectivity and could encourage a modal shift towards rail travel for intra- and inter-city movement.
Southern Railway did not provide a firm completion date in the update, but the phased approach reflects an effort to maintain station operations while delivering the upgrades.
Key stakeholders in the project include Southern Railway authorities and local municipal agencies involved in approach road and circulation area works. Residents and passengers can monitor announcements from Southern Railway for operational advisories as remaining construction continues.
