The Railway Board has given clearance for the final location survey (FLS) for Bengaluru’s proposed fourth railway terminal, signalling progress for the major infrastructure project intended to ease congestion in the city’s railway network.

The FLS, costing Rs 1.35 crore, will determine the exact location of the terminal, with areas near Devanahalli station and the Yelahanka–Chikkaballapur corridor under consideration. The terminal is expected to be developed over 1,000 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore and is designed to handle increasing passenger traffic. Bengaluru's three existing railway terminals - KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwantpur, and SMVT Bengaluru, currently manage 140 originating, 139 terminating, and 142 through trains daily, along with 110 trains requiring primary maintenance.

South Western Railway (SWR) highlighted that existing facilities are running at full capacity, with issues including overcrowded platforms, overused pit lines, and high empty rake movements due to limited stabling lines. The new terminal will be the second modern facility in the city after SMVT Bengaluru and is projected to accommodate 36 trains daily.

The proposed infrastructure includes 16 platforms, 12 pit lines, five ACWP-equipped washing lines, 24 stabling lines, and six sick lines, among others. It will also house loco bays, a 50-tonne boot laundry, administrative blocks, and repair facilities. Land has been tentatively identified in Bullahalli and KG Gururayanahosuru villages near Venkatagiri Kote Halt station, about 50 km from the city centre, positioning the terminal to serve future urban and intercity rail growth.