Bengaluru to Get ₹5.5 Crore Pedestrian Subway Behind Mantri Mall

By Political Bureau, Bangalore Mail

Published: July 7, 2026

BENGALURU: In a major relief for thousands of daily commuters and local residents, a new pedestrian subway is set to be constructed behind Mantri Mall in Malleswaram. The ₹5.5 crore project aims to eliminate illegal trespassing on railway tracks and drastically improve pedestrian safety in the bustling area.

Union Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, officially laid the foundation stone for the highly anticipated infrastructure project.

Enhancing Safety and Connectivity

According to officials from the South Western Railway (SWR), the proposed subway will measure 5 meters in width and 2.65 meters in height. Once completed, the underground passage will provide a secure, convenient corridor for pedestrians to cross the railway tracks safely, ensuring smooth train operations and preventing accidents.

The new infrastructure is expected to directly benefit residents living in and around neighboring localities, including:

• Malleswaram

• Seshadripuram

• Okalipuram

• Srirampura

Speaking at the foundation-laying event, Union Minister V. Somanna highlighted that the project addresses a long-standing public grievance. He emphasized that the Central Government is currently bearing 100% of the financial costs for Road Over Bridge (ROB) and Road Under Bridge (RUB) projects to fast-track crucial railway infrastructure developments.

Additionally, the Minister noted that work on another critical Road Under Bridge (RUB) at Ramohalli Gate near Kengeri is moving forward rapidly and is slated for completion soon.

Major Overhaul for Karnataka’s Rail Network

Beyond the Malleswaram pedestrian subway, Minister Somanna outlined several mega-railway infrastructure upgrades planned and underway across Bengaluru and Karnataka:

• Bengaluru Cantonment Station: Currently undergoing a massive ₹485 crore redevelopment overhaul.

• Yesvantpur Junction: Infrastructure upgrades and modernization are progressing at an accelerated pace.

• Yelahanka Coaching Terminal: A new coaching terminal is currently being planned to decongest existing hubs.

• New Rail Lines: Detailed plans are being drafted for a brand-new direct railway line linking Bengaluru to Kolar via Hosakote, Narasapura, and Vemagal. Priority focus is also being given to the Tumakuru–Davanagere and Rayadurga–Tumakuru railway links.

The newly launched subway behind Mantri Mall marks a critical step forward in local urban transit, assuring Bengaluru pedestrians a safer commute across the city’s expanding railway grid.