SWR to roll out ride-booking kiosks, global food chains at Bengaluru railway stations

South Western Railway (SWR) has stepped up efforts to make railway stations in Bengaluru more passenger-friendly by introducing a range of new amenities, including air-conditioned waiting areas, dedicated booking kiosks for cab and auto aggregators, and expanded food and beverage options featuring major catering service providers and popular restaurant chains, including global brands.

As part of this initiative, ride-hailing platform Rapido on Monday began operations of a dedicated passenger booking kiosk at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Bengaluru railway station at Majestic. Another aggregator, Namma Yatri, is also set to start a similar kiosk at the station in the coming days.

According to officials of the Bengaluru division of SWR, the two aggregators will together pay an annual licence fee of ₹53 lakh for operating kiosks across six railway stations in the city.

Speaking to The Hindu, Railway officials said that the kiosks are aimed at improving last-mile connectivity for passengers, especially those unfamiliar with app-based bookings or facing connectivity issues. “Passengers can directly approach these kiosks to book autos or cabs, making the process more convenient and organised. At the same time, it helps Railways generate a steady stream of non-fare revenue,” an official explained.

A Rapido spokesperson said the kiosks at Bengaluru’s busiest transit hub are intended to ease travel for thousands of daily commuters and long-distance passengers. “The dedicated passenger booking kiosks at KSR station are designed to simplify last-mile connectivity at one of the city’s busiest transit hubs. These booths help passengers discover rides faster, get fare clarity, and connect seamlessly with nearby captains, reducing friction and wait times,” Rapido spokesperson told The Hindu.

“By combining physical infrastructure with our tech-first platform and operational innovation, we aim to improve safety, trust, and overall passenger experience,” the spokesperson added..

Encouraged by the response, SWR plans to extend the facility to several other key stations in the city. Similar kiosks are proposed at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal in Baiyappanahalli, Yeshwantpur, Hoodi, Krishnarajapuram, and Whitefield railway stations.

Beyond mobility services, the Bengaluru division is also looking to significantly upgrade station amenities through the introduction of more organised food and retail options.

An official said: “Discussions are under way with established catering service providers as well as well-known global fast-food and restaurant chains to set up outlets at major stations. These additions are expected not only to improve passenger comfort and choice but also to contribute to sustained non-fare revenue generation for the Railways.”s