Create more space at City Railway Station

Sir,

Mysuru is abuzz with news of infrastructure development. Roads, flyovers and residential layouts are being planned — all in response to the growing pressure for expansion and to ease the burden on Bengaluru.

But I only hope that all development plans and designs are prepared by competent professionals, based on genuine needs and not on the whims and fancies of vested interests. While many long-term plans are underway — each needing at least five years — there are a few issues that require immediate attention to enhance safety and comfort for the city’s residents.

One such concern is the Mysuru City Railway Station. More than 65 trains arrive and depart daily, even more during festivals and weekends. Cars, autorickshaws, two-wheelers and pedestrians criss-cross and jostle for space. People departing from Mysuru are in a hurry to catch their trains, while those arriving want to exit as soon as possible. In either case, the Station becomes chaotic. No matter how many Policemen are deployed, managing the flow is not easy.

Senior citizens, who frequently depend on trains, find coming to the Station a traumatic experience. With time, this situation will worsen if immediate corrective action is not taken. The core issue is the shortage of space.

Much of this can be addressed by removing unnecessary structures. However much we wish to preserve the heritage character of Mysuru, certain structures must inevitably make way for growth. Pillars, street vendors and obstructions around the hotel at the City Railway Station entrance need to be removed. The vacant land of approximately three acres in the possession of the Congress Party on JLB Road, adjoining the Railway Station, should be made available for expansion. This currently underutilised land can be used not only for parking vehicles, but can also help facilitate the halting of some trains here.

This would greatly reduce congestion at the main Station. It is a short-term solution requiring minimal investment and no significant structural modification.

Autos, in their anxiety to pick up passengers, add to the chaos. Their movement must be strictly regulated.

Mysuru planning authorities are requested to examine the above suggestions, particularly the utilisation of the vacant Congress Party Office space.

– Ashvini Ranjan, Mysuru, 13.11.2025

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