Where Bangalore's railway began
Bangalore Cantonment railway station (code BNC), now officially Bengaluru Cantonment, is where the city's railway story starts. It began operating in 1864, when the Madras Railway launched services between the Bangalore Cantonment and Jolarpettai, over a 149 km broad-gauge line towards Vellore district. The station stands in Vasanth Nagar, next to Fraser Town, Benson Town and Shivajinagar, and belongs to the South Western Railway's Bengaluru division.
Platforms with letters
BNC has 7 platforms, numbered 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2 and 3, on 8 tracks, about 929 metres above sea level. Check your platform letter carefully: 1 and 1A are different platforms.
Busy for its size
A total of 119 passenger trains start, end or pass through Bangalore Cantonment, and through 269 passenger services it is directly connected to 499 stations. Premium trains include:
- Coimbatore–Bengaluru Cantonment Vande Bharat Express, to Coimbatore
- Madurai Junction–Bengaluru Cantonment Vande Bharat Express, to Madurai
- Chennai–Bengaluru Double Decker Express
Timings are on Railopedia's schedule page.
Facilities and future links
The remodelled entrance opened in January 2011, and in February 2014 a medical clinic began offering free emergency care to passengers. Namma Metro's Pink Line, between Kalena Agrahara and Nagawara, is planned to connect to the station.
Rebuilding the oldest station
Bangalore Cantonment is being redeveloped into an airport-style terminal under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Reported costs vary between roughly ₹450 crore and ₹525 crore, and plans include a 216-metre air concourse, multi-level parking and better links with city transport, with a design inspired by the station's heritage. Works have taken longer than planned, so some facilities may be temporary while construction continues.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bangalore Cantonment the same as KSR Bengaluru City?
No. KSR Bengaluru City (SBC) is a separate terminus at Majestic; Cantonment (BNC) is in Vasanth Nagar.
When did Bangalore Cantonment station open?
It began operating in 1864 with services to Jolarpettai.
Which Vande Bharat trains use BNC?
The Coimbatore and Madurai Vande Bharat Express services.