2 Metro stations at Kempegowda International Airport to be elevated: BMRCL

Bengaluru: The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will have two Metro Rail stations and both will be elevated, reveals the Detailed Project Report prepared by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and presented to the state government. The Bengaluru International Airport Ltd, which operates KIA, had earlier requested the BMRCL to construct either underground or ground level stations on its premises.

The Rail link from Nagawara to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), which will run for about 29 km, is estimated to cost Rs 5,900 crore. The route will have six stations, including two inside KIA, the DPR states.

BMRCL Managing Director Ajay Seth told Deccan Chronicle, “There was some confusion about the Metro stations at the airport. But our DPR clearly states that they will be elevated and the airport will have two stations, one at the entrance near the Sky Garden and another near the terminal. We will look at the plan again and decide whether one of the stations can be at the ground level.”

The DPR of Phase-2 B Metro line was approved by the state cabinet on December 11 last year. But no progress has been made since then. Sources said that the Metro will link both Terminal 1 and 2.

A BIAL source said that they were asking the BMRCL to construct underground or ground-level stations as an elevated station may affect air traffic signals. “The guidelines say that there should be no high-rise structures within the approach funnel of any airport to provide a safe glide path to aircraft. Also, the ground level station will be useful for air travellers to get easy access to both Terminals 1 and 2,” said the source, requesting anonymity.

The airport line will be an extension of the Gottigere-Nagawara line of Phase-II, while earlier it was planned to start at Nagawara, head to R.K. Hedge Nagar via Thanisandra Main Road. It was to then turn left to Jakkur Flying School and take the Ballari Main Road to terminate at the airport. The line will be fully elevated, except near the Yelahanka Air Force station, where it will be at the ground level. But the new proposal suggests that the Metro will run directly through Hebbal via Outer Ring Road and then take Ballari Main Road right up to Jakkur Flying School.