Bengaluru: Ride-hailing aggregator Rapido has launched an electric buggy service at KSR Bengaluru City railway station on a pilot basis to help passengers move conveniently within the station premises and reach designated pickup points outside the terminal.
The initiative has been introduced to address the difficulties faced by commuters navigating the crowded railway station, especially after arriving with luggage during peak travel hours.
Under the new arrangement, passengers are being charged a flat fare of ₹12 per seat for transportation from railway platforms to the designated pickup area located outside the station premises.
Service introduced to reduce commuter stress
According to Rapido officials, the buggy service has been specifically designed to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce post-travel inconvenience for railway passengers.
A spokesperson for the company said many commuters struggle with long walking distances, heavy luggage and crowd congestion after arriving at the station, particularly during summer and peak travel periods.
To improve the overall passenger experience, Rapido has also established a dedicated air-conditioned lounge at the railway station for travellers waiting for rides.
“Recognising that the journey does not end at the platform, we have set up a fully air-conditioned Rapido Lounge where travellers can relax and escape the heat while waiting for their ride,” the spokesperson said.
The company stated that the service aims to provide smoother and more organised passenger movement within one of Bengaluru’s busiest railway stations.
Buggy connects platforms to pickup zones
The electric buggy service ferries passengers directly from the platforms to an organised pickup zone where autorickshaws and cab services are available.
Officials said the designated pickup system is intended to reduce confusion and overcrowding near station exits while improving coordination between passengers and transport operators.
Rapido has also deployed on-ground support staff to assist passengers throughout the process, including luggage handling and navigation assistance.
“Our on-ground team remains available to help commuters with luggage and guidance so that travellers feel safe and supported during the transit process,” the spokesperson added.
The initiative is expected to benefit senior citizens, families with children, differently abled passengers and travellers carrying heavy baggage.
₹12 fare redeemable on future rides
Rapido clarified that the ₹12 fare charged per passenger has been fixed by railway station authorities as part of station usage arrangements.
The company stated that the buggy ride is effectively free for commuters, as the amount paid can later be redeemed against future Rapido rides booked through the platform.
Officials said the redeemable pricing model was introduced to encourage passengers to use organised mobility services while maintaining affordability.
Commuters using the facility reportedly welcomed the initiative, saying it helped reduce the stress of moving through crowded station areas, particularly during busy travel periods.
Pilot project at KSR Bengaluru City station
The service has currently been introduced on a pilot basis at KSR Bengaluru City railway station, one of the busiest railway hubs in Karnataka and South India.
Railway stations in metropolitan cities often face severe congestion near exits due to large passenger volumes, app-based cab pickups and auto-rickshaw demand.
Officials believe organised mobility support systems such as electric buggy transport and dedicated pickup zones could significantly improve passenger flow and station management.
The initiative also aligns with increasing emphasis on electric mobility and sustainable urban transportation solutions in Bengaluru.
Scope for expansion in future
Industry observers say the success of the pilot project could pave the way for similar services at other major railway stations and transport hubs across the country.
With rising passenger traffic and growing dependence on app-based transport platforms, integrated mobility solutions are increasingly being viewed as essential for urban transit management.
Rapido has not yet announced timelines for expansion but indicated that commuter feedback and operational performance during the pilot phase would help determine future rollout plans.
Passengers at the station expressed hope that such services would continue and expand, particularly for elderly travellers and those unfamiliar with navigating large railway terminals.