Unlike regular EMU trains that link urban and suburban areas, MEMUs are electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains that operate on short and medium-distance routes in India. In order to boost passenger capacity, South Western Railway (SWR) has suggested extending the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains that run from Bangalore City to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) railway station up to Chickballapur.
South Western Railway Proposed To Extend Bangalore City-KIA MEMU Train Line
The Hindu reported less than 1 per cent of seats are occupied on trains going to Bangalore Airport. In an effort to boost occupancy, the SWR has suggested extending the trains to Chickballapur (Chikkaballapura). Due to poor occupancy and a severe staff shortage, SWR stopped operating all MEMU trains between Bangalore and KIA railway station in June of this year. Surprisingly, the railway services were resumed after only 15 days.
An estimated 90-minute trip from Bangalore to the airport includes a 10-minute, 3.5-kilometre free shuttle bus ride from the KIA stop station to the airport. The ticket costs ₹35, which is the least expensive of all the transportation options.
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Proposal For The Convenience Of Travellers
The station was constructed by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) for about ₹3 crore and inaugurated on January 4, 2021. For the convenience of travellers and those working at the airport, the SWR is operating eight pairs of trains along the route, including six pairs of MEMU trains.
Two trains from Bangalore Cantonment to KIA stop station were, however, cancelled in August due to track maintenance. Until September 9, these two trains are cancelled. While commuters support SWR’s plan to extend the train route, they stressed how urgently it needs to be implemented.
Rajkumar Dugar, the convener of Citizens for Citizens, stated that they have been requesting for many days now that the railroads have to extend the airport train farther in order to boost the occupancy rate. It’s encouraging to hear that railways have suggested connecting the train up to Chickballapur. However, the SWR should now put the extension into effect right away.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia
First Published: August 31, 2023 6:19 PM