In a big relief to thousands of commuters, the Indian Railways have started a special train service from Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport.
In a joint venture, Bengaluru International Airport Limited and South Western Railway have established the railway halt station near the airport.
The project aims to ensure a quick, hassle-free, environment-friendly and less expensive way to travel to the airport, that is touted to benefit thousands of commuters on a daily basis.
According to the officials at Bangalore International Airport, the daily traffic at the airport is around 30,000.
Talking about the travel feasibility, deputy general manager and chief public relations officer of South Western Railway, Vijaya, said: “There are thousands of workers in Bangalore airport. The devices will be highly beneficial to them as well. We have discussed with airport authorities and scheduled the train timings in such a way to attend to the peak timing in the airport, early morning and late evening. We hope the services will be well patronised.”
Five pairs of trains will run between the city and the airport, located 35km on the outskirts, with one-minute stoppage at the KIA halt station. Two of these trains will ply from KSR Bengaluru station, one from Yelahanka and two from Yeshwanthpur.
Citizens can now board the train and reach the airport with the fares capped as low as Rs 10-15. The move is a massive saver for commuters who have to pay about Rs 250 to Rs 300 for the Vuya Vajra bus service and Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 for a taxi.
Once the peak hour traffic of arrivals and departures is ascertained by the railway and BAIL, the number and frequency of trains are expected to be increased.
