Baiyappanahalli rail terminal is ready, but you can’t use it

SWR is waiting for a date from PMO's office for inauguration

South Western Railway (SWR) had plans to make Sir M. Visvesvaraya Railway Terminal at Baiyappanahalli – said to be the country’s first ever centralised AC terminal – operational in March, but is yet to do so as officials are waiting for a date from the Prime Minister’s office for the inauguration. “The terminal is all set to open. Once the PMO gives a date, necessary arrangements will be made for commercial operations. Now, as COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate, the terminal could be inaugurated through virtual mode or by limiting the number of guests. The decision will be taken at a higher level,” an SWR official said. In March, Railway Board Chairman Suneet Sharma and other senior officials had inspected the terminal. Mr. Sharma had said that the terminal will be operational “shortly”.