The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-Ride), which is implementing the Bengaluru suburban rail project (BSRP), is likely to consider a rail route to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) from Doddajala instead of Trumpet Interchange on Ballari Road.
Earlier, K-Ride had planned to build a 5.6-km airport link from Trumpet Interchange station, along the Majestic-Devanahalli corridor, and construct two stations on the airport campus.
However, officials have found that more people would benefit if the airport suburban rail branches off at Doddajala instead. The newly proposed link, stretching for 8km and contemplated from Doddajala, offers many benefits as it serves locals and those working in industrial hubs located close to the airport. K-Ride also proposes the construction of a station close to Begur Road and BK Halli Road junction.
Officials say the line would help people working at Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s Defence and Aerospace Park, villages to the southern part of KIA, and residential areas.
“An airport link from Doddajala side has multiple benefits compared to Trumpet Interchange side. Providing a link from Trumpet Interchange would mean the line ends on the airport campus, whereas from Doddajala, there is scope to benefit a larger section of society living in the area. The proposed alignment runs parallel to the alternative road that links the airport from the southern side. Up to the boundary of the airport, there is a proposal to build an elevated line, and within it, the line goes underground,” said a K-Ride official.
The official added that in the past, K-Ride had received representations from public representatives and others on exploring the feasibility of providing suburban rail connectivity to local areas in and around Doddajala and industrial areas.
“In city limits, we can see city buses operating as feeder services to Metro stations. Similarly, if feeder buses are provided to the new station once it is operational and links to industrial hubs, it will help a large number of people,” said the official.
From Majestic to Devanahalli, the suburban rail will run parallel to the operational rail line of South Western Railway (SWR). The airport link of suburban rail will branch out at Doddajala station on the Majestic-Devanahalli line.
“Once the line becomes operational, we’ll run shuttle train services from Devanahalli to Doddajala. Travelling to the airport from the city will be free of hassle,” the official added.
It is said the location of Doddajala suburban rail station will be away from the existing halt station that is over a century old.
Scrutiny of alignment
K-Ride has approached SWR seeking approval for its Majestic-Devanahalli (corridor 1) line. Fifteen stations are proposed en route the 41-km alignment. An SWR official told TOI a joint scrutiny of the proposed link is on.
The construction of suburban rail to Devanahalli involves many challenges as it will be on busy rail lines, especially between Majestic and Yeshwantpur. On this line, suburban rail will be elevated. Beyond Yelahanka, SWR has a proposal to double the line till Devanahalli.
While sanctioning the BSRP project, the Centre had directed K-Ride to prioritize the line. However, it was de-prioritized after BMRCL planned the construction of Metro Blue Line from Central Silk Board to KIA.
