Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 1: The proposal to build a short-distance rail line connecting Bengaluru city to Kempegowda International Airport has been shelved. Officials decided to withdraw the plan after discussions with airport authorities, concluding that the metro and suburban rail extensions to the airport made a separate railway line unnecessary.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav had announced the project in February, which included a rail-over-rail flyover covering three stations to ease congestion. At present, the nearest station to the airport is KIA Halt, located 3.5 km from the terminal, with BIAL operating free shuttle services. However, passenger response has remained low due to limited services on the Yelahanka–Devanahalli corridor.

Metro’s Blue Line from K R Puram to KIA is under construction, while K-Ride is extending the suburban Sampige line to Yelahanka and Devanahalli, providing passengers with alternate routes to the airport.

New look for KSR Bengaluru

Meanwhile, the Central Government has sanctioned Rs 1,370 crore to redevelop Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Majestic. Cantonment and Yeshwantpur stations are already under development, and a mega railway terminal is being considered at Devanahalli, Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna said.

Chikkamagaluru–Tirupati train approved

Chikkamagaluru MP and former minister Kota Srinivas Poojary announced that the Railway Department has approved a new train between Chikkamagaluru and Tirupati, fulfilling a long-pending demand of Malnad residents. He shared the update after meeting railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav and V Somanna.