India's largest mega coaching terminal has been planned in northern Bengaluru's Yelahanka at a cost of Rs 57.54 billion (Rs 57.54 bn), the Minister of State for Railways V Somanna said. The proposed terminal will be located next to the Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) and its Final Location Survey (FLS) has been sanctioned. The project is intended to expand handling capacity for long distance trains and to serve as a major hub in the region. Officials indicated the new facility is aimed at relieving pressure on central city stations and streamlining passenger movements.

South Western Railway (SWR) had initially proposed a similar coaching terminal in Devanahalli roughly 15 km from the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), but a meeting on June five, 2025 determined that location to be unsuitable owing to its distance from the city and other operational considerations. The decision to shift focus to Yelahanka followed further technical evaluation and stakeholder consultations. Planners said the proximity to existing railway infrastructure at RWF makes the site operationally favourable and reduces the need for extensive new track laying.

Mr Somanna spoke to reporters after flagging off the experimental stoppage of four trains at Nayandahalli and inaugurating a railway overbridge in Vijayanagar, and he framed the Yelahanka plan as part of a broader effort to modernise regional rail assets. The sanctioned FLS will guide detailed design and land acquisition processes and will inform phasing of construction works. Railway sources cautioned that timelines will depend on approvals, funding releases and clearances from civic authorities. The project is expected to catalyse ancillary development around the terminal.

Officials anticipate that the coaching terminal will become the city's fifth major passenger terminal and that it will help distribute rail traffic more evenly across Bengaluru. The proposal is being advanced through standard railway planning procedures and will proceed to detailed project reports and environmental assessments. Authorities said coordination with local bodies will be crucial to manage connectivity, last mile access and associated infrastructure.