Kempegowda International Airport is more than 40 km away from the heart of Bangalore. It is 53km away from HSR Layout, 40km away from Indiranagar, and 33km away from Yeshwanthpur. Basically, travelling to and from the airport is a very expensive affair – both via cars and buses. Even a bus ticket costs Rs 300 from many parts of the city and cabs can cost more than Rs 1,000.
However, bringing some relief to frequent travellers, The Indian Railway has begun train services from Bangalore to Kempegowda International Airport. According to The Indian Express, trains will be available from KSR Bengaluru City, Cantonment and Yelahanka stations to the newly built Kempegowda International Airport halt station (KIAH).
What’s even better? The tickets cost as low as Rs 10 to Rs 15!
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa took to Twitter to share the amazing news:
Starting Monday, Bengalureans can take a train to Kempegowda International Airport, Devanahalli station. Trains will operate from Bengaluru city station to the newly built KIA, Devanahalli Railway halt station.@PiyushGoyal @BLRAirport
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) January 3, 2021
Train services have already begun and 10 trains will be running between the city and the airport halt station for the next few months, reports NDTV.
Kempegowda International Airport Halt Railway Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka is all set to serve travelers from 4th January.
This will go a long way in enhancing last-mile connectivity to Bengaluru airport, benefit lakhs of people and reduce the traffic congestion drastically. pic.twitter.com/tXoWiwyzqg
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 3, 2021
Shuttle services from the railway station to the airport will also cost Rs 10.
“Reaching this airport had always been a problem for air travellers. From some areas of Bangalore, it would take one and a half to two hours. Given the traffic situation in Bangalore, it was a real problem to reach the airport. To eliminate this problem, BIAL and southwestern railways have partnered to provide a halt station that is very close to the airport,” said Vijaya, Deputy General Manager and Chief Public Relations Officer of South Western Railways.
Kudos to the Karnataka government and Indian Railways for coming up with a brilliant solution for the Bangalore-to-airport commute problem!