Heritage takes a backseat as iconic arches in Cantt Rly Stn demolished

NT Bengaluru

Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station, the oldest in the state, was thrown open in November 1862

In what could be another significant loss to the city's heritage, the iconic arches on Platform 1 at Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station have been demolished as part of redevelopment works, much to the dismay of passengers, residents, and concerned parties. Bengaluru Cantonment Railway Station, the oldest in the state, was opened in November 1862. Now, 162 years later, the arches that withstood the passage of time have been reduced to rubble. This demolition is part of a larger project by South Western Railways (SWR), initiated in 2023, to transform the station into a world-class facility at an estimated cost of Rs. 480 crore. While the Railways have pledged to preserve the station's heritage value, it currently seems that little of that heritage remains intact. According to local staff, the arches were taken down last week. Rajkumar Dugar of Citizens4Citizens expressed his disappointment with the decision to demolish the heritage structure. "There was no public consultation regarding the removal of these historic arches," he said. "The demolition itself seems suspicious, and there has been no effort to gather public opinion." Dugar also questioned the true purpose of the redevelopment. "The Railways seem to view development as something purely cosmetic, focusing on flashy facades rather than improving essential services. The real priority should be better track and signalling systems. Passengers are packed into trains like cattle," he stated. He further raised concerns about the role of elected representatives in the matter. "Why have they not intervened, especially after being involved in inspections with the Union Railway Minister?" he asked. Although Platform 1 may now see its first direct sunlight in over a century and a half, there was a palpable sense of loss among station staff witnessing the demolition of the beloved structure. "Many members of the public, as well as staff, wanted the arches to be preserved, but it was to no avail," said Regan, a staff member who has worked at the station for the past decade. However, another staff member argued that the demolition was inevitable. "The redevelopment of this station was needed, and while its historic identity is gone, hopefully the new development will create a fresh one," he said. One passenger, reflecting on the loss, recalled how the arches had been a landmark on their journey to the city from Chennai.