Railway halt station at BLR Airport operational

January 4, 2021: The halt station, adjacent to the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport), has commenced operations.

The station is located on the North-West corner of BLR Airport campus and is built on an existing track that connects Yeshwantpura and Chikkaballapura. The activation of the suburban rail service on this route will offer a fast and economical commuting option for passengers and benefit a section of the BLR Airport workforce of approximately 25,000 people.

The halt station, with a 230-metre-long platform – will be connected to various parts of the airport by a shuttle bus service, managed and operated by BIAL. The timing and frequency of the shuttle service will be synchronised with the train timings.

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The station has a booking counter, concourse area, restrooms with provision for passengers with reduced mobility, granite benches for seating and drinking water facilities. Based on usage and acceptance, the facility will be upgraded over time to cater to the travel needs of the public and employees.

The joint effort of the Indian Railways and BIAL is focused on promoting rail-based transport by reviewing the schedule of existing trains and the introduction of additional services to suit peak hours of flights and working hours of Airport employees. While BLR Airport employees are more likely to use this service initially, it is expected to gain acceptance among air passengers, as well.

The Indian Railways is proactively exploring options to increase the frequency of the trains by operating trains from Yelahanka, Yeshwanthpura, Majestic Railway Station and Whitefield. With fares to the Airport Halt Station as low as ₹10 for passenger trains and ₹30 for express trains, this service is expected to serve an important need.

In 2014, BIAL, in collaboration with the Railway authorities, proposed the establishment of suburban rail service to BLR Airport to the Government of Karnataka, recommending a halt station on the existing line that connects Yeshwanthpura to Devanahalli. The station has been constructed by BIAL.