In 2021, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) opened the KIA Halt train station to serve flyers and airport staff. Located 3.5 km from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), this station offers an affordable travel option. Train fares range from ₹10 to ₹30. Despite this, the station sees an average of just 30 passengers daily, according to South Western Railway (SWR).
Did You Know About Bangalore’s Airport Train?
The lack of awareness about this service is a major factor. Many Bengalureans don’t know about the train option, and even those who do often find the timings inconvenient. Instead, most travellers use personal vehicles, cabs, or BMTC’s Vayu Vajra buses. A cab ride from central Bengaluru to the airport typically costs around ₹900, a price that might discourage some from using the train. Recently, BIAL raised the pickup fees for ride-hailing firms, which could further affect travel preferences.
SWR operates six trains connecting KSR Bengaluru, Yeshwantpur, and Bengaluru Cantonment stations with KIA Halt. These include DEMU and MEMU trains, with eight to 12 cars.
Several issues contribute to the low usage of the KIA Halt train service. Access to the station is inconvenient. The service is also plagued by infrequent trains and delays. Significant stoppages are problematic for flight passengers. Operational constraints further complicate matters. The trains run up to Chikkaballapur and Kolar, with only a single track after Yelahanka causing delays. Additionally, the service lacks stops in high-density areas and has limited frequency.
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Four Additional Trains
In response to low ridership, four additional trains now stop at Bettahalsoor and Doddajala, according to a railway representative.
For those looking to travel by train, SWR operates six services from KSR Bengaluru (SBC), Yeshwantpur (YPR), and Bengaluru Cantonment (BNC) to KIA Halt (KIAD). The stations include Bengaluru East, Baiyappanahalli, Channasandra, Yelahanka, Bettahalsoor, Doddajala, Malleswaram, Lottegollahalli, and Kodigehalli.
BIAL provides a free bus shuttle between the station and the airport terminals. The shuttle arrives five minutes before the train. Note that there are no trains on Sundays. Fares range from ₹10 to ₹30. The first train from Bengaluru Cantonment departs at 5.10 am, and the last train from KSR Bengaluru station leaves at 6.20 pm. The first return train from KIA station is at 8.18 am, and the last is at 7.23 pm.
For up-to-date schedules, check the NTES app on Android and iOS and look under the ‘Trains between stations’ tab.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image), Wikimedia Commons
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