Southern Railways has sanctioned a ₹2 crore pedestrian railway underpass at Tokkoite, addressing safety concerns over illegal crossings. The underpass will improve connectivity between Tokkoite and Oleate, a vital National Highway route. In a move aimed at improving pedestrian safety and connectivity, Southern Railways has sanctioned a ₹2 crore project for the construction of a pedestrian underpass near Yadira railway station in Karnataka. This infrastructure upgrade addresses the long-standing demand of local residents for a safer passage beneath the busy railway tracks, where accidents and congestion have been common.
Project Overview
The underpass, which will be constructed using RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete), is designed to allow uninterrupted movement for pedestrians, especially during peak train hours. Southern Railways has confirmed that the structure will comply with all safety, drainage, and accessibility norms. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce the reliance on risky level crossings and provide a permanent solution for pedestrian transit. The project will be executed by the (Southern Railway) (Do Follow) and is expected to begin construction in the coming months, with a target completion timeline of one year.
Location Significance
Yadira, situated in northern Karnataka, is a growing urban centre with increasing footfall around its railway zone. The railway station connects to key routes under the Gonadal division, making it a hub for both passenger and freight movement. The approval of the underpass aligns with Indian Railways’ broader efforts to enhance last-mile safety in semi-urban areas. This development complements ongoing railway modernization projects such as the Bangalore Suburban Railway Project, which you can read more about in our article on (Rail infrastructure).
Safety and Urban Impact
The underpass initiative is part of Southern Railway’s urban safety program, which has also introduced escalators, foot overbridges, and CCTV surveillance across key stations. By investing in small but impactful infrastructure like underpasses, the Railway aims to minimize accidents, particularly those involving schoolchildren and elderly residents. The implementation of this underpass will serve as a model for other congested areas within the zone.
Timeline and Execution
The construction is expected to begin in the upcoming quarter, with a completion timeline of 6 to 9 months. Local contractors will be engaged under the supervision of the divisional engineering team, ensuring faster execution and cost efficiency. Environmental clearances and land use approvals have already been processed, which removes major bureaucratic hurdles. Southern Railways has greenlit a ₹2 crore pedestrian underpass project in Karnataka to enhance safety and ease congestion at busy rail crossings. The initiative aims to provide a secure route for foot traffic, especially in high-risk zones, reducing accidents and streamlining local connectivity for daily commuters and nearby residents.
Strategic Importance
Southern Railways has been focusing on infrastructure upgrades in Karnataka, including station redevelopment, electrification, and doubling of lines. The underpass project complements ongoing developments like the Bangalore Suburban Rail Project and the modernization of Mysuru and Hubbell stations.
The ₹2 crore infrastructure project is part of Southern Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernize and secure its stations and nearby transit routes. The approved underpass will serve as a safer alternative to level crossings, which are often sites of accidents and delays. With growing urbanization in Karnataka, particularly near railway lines, pedestrian underpasses have become an essential element of urban rail infrastructure. According to the latest updates from Southern Railways, the construction is expected to begin in the next quarter and be completed within a year.
q1. What is the cost of the approved pedestrian underpass in Karnataka?
The underpass has been approved at a cost of ₹2 crore by Southern Railways.
q2. Where will the pedestrian underpass be constructed?
It will be constructed at a high-footfall location in Karnataka to improve commuter safety.
q3. What is the purpose of the underpass?
The project aims to ensure safe crossing for pedestrians and reduce accidents at railway tracks.
q4. When will the construction begin?
Construction is expected to begin in the upcoming quarter and finish within a year.
q5. Will the underpass be accessible for all users?
Yes, it will include ramps, lighting, and CCTV for safety and accessibility.
