KIA route: BMRCL to merge 2 stations into 1

Bengaluru: The much-delayed Metro line to the Kempegowda International Airport is finally taking shape and BMRCL is hoping that its daily ridership on the route will be more than 2.5 lakh once it becomes operational.

The BMRCL has added a new Metro station, Bettahalasuru, on the route - K R Puram-Kempegowda International Airport Metro Line (2B Line) - between Bagalur Cross and Trumpet Junction.

The line will continue to have 17 stations as planned earlier as BMRCL has decided to merge the originally planned Kasturi Nagar and Channasandra Metro stations into one.

BMRCL has scrapped the earlier alignment for a new one that will originate from KR Puram and traverse through Hebbal. The government has approved the new 38-km line to the airport at a cost of Rs 10,584.15 crore.

Officials said that private funding will be available to build Bettahalasuru station. "The Embassy Group has confirmed that they will pay Rs 140 crore towards the construction of the new station, including the cost of the land. The new station is planned because of rapid development in northern parts of Yelahanka. The overall cost will remain the same," a BMRCL official told Deccan Chronicle.

BMRCL has decided to shift Kasturi Nagar station by 559 metre to the north and Channasandra station by 289 metre to the south and name the new merged station as Kasturi Nagar station.

The Metro line to the airport will run on the right side of the present elevated road from K.R. Puram to KIA via Hebbal and Kodigehalli.