Train to Bengaluru airport, questions arise on time performance and in-commute delay

Bengaluru: The newly launched train service from Bengaluru city to Kempegowda International Airport commenced on January 4. The service is definitely a cheaper and safer way to commute to the airport, but questions regarding on-time performance and in-commute delays as well as if the newly launched airport railway line scale up eventually drawing workers and air passengers in big numbers need to be addressed.

The suburban train from the city to the airport cost only Rs.10 . Urban rail experts are of the opinion that the delays will be critical of air passengers with strict flight schedules and workers in multiple airport shifts.

Urban rail experts are of the opinion that the delays will be critical of air passengers with strict flight schedules and workers in multiple airport shifts.

Reports state that the passenger numbers are bound to rise once the Kempegowda International Airport’s (KIA) second terminal (T2) is commissioned.

Devesh Agarwal, Former Chairman of Bangalore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCIC) informed that for every one million passengers there are around 1000 employees at the airport. The average penetration rate for passengers to use scheduled public transport is 18% to 20% and much higher for employees up to 75%.

Noting some more points, he added that around one million passengers would result in about 200,000 trips per year. Including the employee, a minimum of 300,000 trips per year which means that the target audience for Commuter Rail Service (CSR) should be employees.

Presently, most of the employee transport is met by contracted bus services.

On January 4,  BIAL had arranged free shuttle services between the Halt station  and multiple airport hubs including the terminal and cargo points.

Many passengers claimed to shift if the train timings are synced to their flight timings but are concerned about the availability of timely last-mile connectivity once the train reached the city.

Experts have proposed the introduction of exclusive Airport trains with Shatabdi-like features, once the airport line is electrified, double-tracked with signaling upgrades and a crossing station facility at Doddajala.