Bengaluru: MP Mohan railway divisional manager take a ride on maiden train to airport

Bengaluru: Train services from various parts of Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport started on Monday giving huge relief to hundreds of commuters from various parts of the city.

The first train left KSR Bengaluru railway station at 04.45 a.m. and reached KIA Halt Railway Station at 06.00 a.m.

P.C. Mohan, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha Constituency, and Ashok Kumar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru, took a ride on the maiden train to the airport.

Mohan described the occasion as a happy moment for all the citizens of Bengaluru.

"It will help air travelers to reach the airport easily, quickly and conveniently. These services will benefit thousands of employees working in the airport and the people residing in the surrounding areas of the airport as well. The train fare from KSR Bengaluru to the airport is only Rs.10, which is cheaper and affordable to all sections of people. These trains will find wider patronization in the coming days with campaigning and publicity. The train services will ease traffic congestion and vehicular pollution on roads," the MP added.

Verma maintained that the starting of the DEMU services was planned in the later half of 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic conditions.

"Five pairs of trains will start services on this route from today. It will help people who are working in logistic companies, courier services and other agencies in the airport too besides air travellers," he said.

Newly constructed Kempegowda International Airport Halt Railway Station is on the Yelhanka-Chikkaballapur-Kolar Railway line. This station is situated close to the northwest boundary of the airport.

This station has been constructed under a Memorandum of Understanding between Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Bengaluru Division of South Western Railway signed in Sep.2020 . The station developed at a cost of Rs.4 crore, was fully funded by BIAL. Construction of modern station building with all passenger amenities was done by BIAL under the supervision of the railways. The land and logistics were also arranged by the railways.

Operation and maintenance of the station being taken care of by South Western Railway.

The halt station will be managed by Halt Agent with Devenahalli Railway Station as the Nodal Station.

In addition, the railways will ensure the safety and security of users of the Airport Railway Station. BIAL will operate food and beverage outlets at the station for a period two years.