Railway Parallel Road, Explained
Railway Parallel Road is exactly what it sounds like: a quiet residential road that runs parallel to the Yelahanka–Yeshwanthpur railway line in North Bangalore. It connects Kodigehalli to Sahakaranagar, with the railway line running alongside for almost the entire stretch.
It is one of those rare Bangalore roads where you can sit at a cafe and watch a train pass without having to make any effort. Just look up.
Shastrys Cafe — The Cafe on the Road
Shastrys Cafe (No.880, NTI Layout, 2nd Phase) is one of the only sit-down restaurants on Railway Parallel Road. The location was chosen because of the residential community — but the train view became a happy accident.
From the outdoor seating area:
• The railway line is approximately 30 metres away
• There are no walls, hoardings or trees blocking the view
• During peak hours, trains pass every 8-15 minutes
• During the day, freight rumbles past every 20-30 minutes
What This Looks Like in Practice
8:30 AM: — sit down with hot filter coffee
8:35 AM: — a MEMU passenger heading to Yelahanka
8:45 AM: — Vande Bharat to Mysuru
8:55 AM: — Yeshwanthpur–Hubballi express
9:10 AM: — freight train, 50+ wagons, takes 4 minutes to pass
By the time your idli + vada + sambar arrives, you've already spotted three trains.
Who Comes Here for the Trains
Train enthusiasts: — railfans driving from across Bangalore
Families with train-loving kids: — every weekend
Visiting tourists: — who want a photogenic Bangalore breakfast
Locals who didn't know: — who realise mid-meal that this is special
Photographers: — sunrise / sunset trains make for excellent photos
What to Order
Idli + Vada + Sambar + Chutney: (₹65) — the classic
Masala Dosa + Sambar + Chutney: (₹70)
Set Dosa + Sambar + Chutney: (₹60)
Ven Pongal + Sambar: (₹50)
Filter Coffee: (₹15) — the slow-sip drink between trains
South Indian Set Meals: (₹120) — at lunch
Address & Hours
Dine-in:: No.880, NTI Layout, 2nd Phase, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Kodigehalli, Bangalore – 560097
Hours:: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Sundays closed)
