Bangalore Airport Like Railway Station (SMVB) Ruined By Gutka Stains In Viral Video

Bengaluru's Sir M Visvesvaraya railway terminal, the first fully air-conditioned terminus in India, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The station, which once impressed with its airport-like infrastructure, is now marred by gutka stains and other waste materials.

A viral Instagram reel has highlighted the poor state of civic sense in Bengaluru's tech capital. The video shows the station's premises covered in gutka spits, sparking a debate online. Some blame passengers for their lack of hygiene, while others criticise the government for failing to maintain the station.

Public Reaction to the Filthy Conditions

One user commented on social media, "The cycle of modernity and tradition, where the gleaming glass of progress meets the red spittle of age-old habits. Here we see Bengaluru's railway station, once a beacon of world-class aspirations, now adorned with the abstract art of Pan-Gutka stains. It's as if the city's walls are telling us, 'Yes, we can reach for the stars, but first, let's make sure our roots are... visibly chewed upon.' Remember, every stain tells a story of cultural juxtaposition, where development and habit perform a daily tango on the platform of public spaces."

Another user named Javeeth pointed out that Indian Railways spends a significant amount annually to clean these stains. He suggested an innovative solution: "Biodegradable spittoon pouches have been introduced to tackle this problem. These pouches not only help in keeping the stations clean but also have seeds embedded in them, which can grow into plants, contributing to a greener environment."

The Costly Infrastructure

The SMVT railway terminal is located at Baiyappanahalli in Bengaluru and spans 4,200 square metres. It cost Indian Railways ₹314 crore and was launched in 2021. Despite its modern amenities and impressive design, maintaining cleanliness has become a significant challenge.

The internet remains divided on who is responsible for this mess. While some argue that passengers should be more mindful of their actions, others believe that stricter enforcement and better maintenance by authorities are necessary.