From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 4: The Railway Halt Station, adjacent to the Kempegowda International Airport, operated by Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL), has commenced operations.
 
The Station is located on the North West corner of the Airport campus and is built on an existing track that connects Yeshwantpura and Chikkaballapura. The activation of the suburban rail service on this route will offer a fast and economical commuting option for passengers and benefit a section of the BLR Airport workforce of approximately 25,000 people.

The Railway Halt Station with a 230-metre-long platform will be connected to various parts of the airport by a shuttle bus service, managed and operated by BIAL. The timing and frequency of the shuttle service will be synchronised with the train timings.

The station has a booking counter, concourse area, rest rooms with provision for passengers with reduced mobility, granite benches for seating and drinking water facilities. Based on usage and acceptance, the facility will be upgraded over time to cater to the travel needs of the public and employees.
 
The joint effort of the Indian Railways and BIAL is focused on promoting rail-based transport by reviewing the schedule of existing trains and the introduction of additional services to suit peak hours of flights and working hours of Airport employees. While BIAL employees are more likely to use this service initially, it is expected to gain acceptance among air passengers as well.

The Indian Railways is proactively exploring options to increase the frequency of the trains by operating trains from Yelahanka, Yeshwanthpura, Majestic Railway Station and Whitefield. With fares to the Airport Halt Station as low as Rs 10 for passenger trains and Rs 30 for express trains, this service is expected to serve an important need.
 
In 2014, BIAL, in collaboration with the Railway authorities, proposed the establishment of a suburban rail service to the Airport to the Government of Karnataka recommending a halt station on the existing line that connects Yeshwanthpura to Devanahalli.

The station has been constructed by BIAL, in keeping with the overall aesthetics and landscaping theme of the Airport.

Mural at Halt Station

In keeping with BIALs commitment to sustainability, the Airport Halt Station will display a large mural on Indian Dance form, made using mango crates and waste material. Titled, Many Beats, One Dance, the mural has been crafted by members of FICCI FLO from Bengaluru.

Led by Jyotika Kapoor, Chairperson FLO, a muralist for over 30 years, about 50 members came together during the pandemic to create six murals. This mural will depict Indian Dance forms like Kathakali with expressions, hand mudras and foot movements using decoupaged newspaper and tiles.