Mangaluru: The old goods shed at Bunder in Mangaluru is set to get a new purpose, with the Railways planning to convert the site into a ballast yard for storing materials required for railway track construction and maintenance.

The development is expected to give the Railways a dedicated facility for handling and storing ballast and other track-related materials in Mangaluru.

Old goods shed to serve railway needs

The old goods shed area at Bunder has remained an important part of Mangaluru’s railway infrastructure. The proposed conversion into a ballast yard will allow the Railways to make productive use of the existing railway premises while supporting maintenance operations.

Ballast, consisting of crushed stone placed beneath and around railway sleepers, plays an important role in providing stability and drainage for railway tracks. A reliable storage facility can therefore support timely track maintenance and related works.

Move expected to support track maintenance

The proposed ballast yard could help streamline the movement and storage of railway maintenance material in and around Mangaluru.

With railway infrastructure in the coastal region continuing to undergo upgrades and maintenance, having a dedicated location for track materials can assist railway personnel in carrying out works more efficiently.

The development also represents a change in the use of the old Bunder goods shed premises, adapting the railway land to meet present operational requirements.

Mangaluru railway infrastructure gets new focus

The proposal comes as railway infrastructure in Mangaluru and coastal Karnataka continues to receive attention, with track improvements, station works and other projects being undertaken across the region.

The conversion of the old goods shed into a ballast yard is expected to strengthen the supporting infrastructure required for maintaining railway tracks.

For Mangaluru, the move also highlights how existing railway assets can be repurposed to meet the changing needs of the network while supporting safer and more efficient railway operations.