A new railway link will soon improve access to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, as announced by Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. The proposed line, connecting Doddajala to KIA, will span 7.9 km and include three stations.
Of the total length, 6.25 km will be elevated, while 1.65 km will be constructed underground. Once operational, this addition will further integrate Bengaluru Airport into the city’s transport network, which already includes Metro and suburban rail connections.
Vaishnaw emphasized the need for improved railway access to the airport, referring to his own experience of traveling by train from KIA to the city center. He noted the challenges posed by technical constraints, including the necessity of a rail flyover, but stated that a viable plan had been developed to address these issues.
The airport’s rail connectivity is part of a broader effort to enhance urban mobility. Construction is ongoing for the KR Pura–KIA (Blue Line) Metro, while K-RIDE, the entity managing the Bengaluru suburban rail project, has yet to finalize civil work tenders for the Sampige Line (KSR Bengaluru–Yelahanka–Devanahalli).
Currently, the closest railway station to KIA is KIA Halt, located 3.5 km from the terminal. Built by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) at a cost of Rs 3 crore, the station was inaugurated on January 4, 2021. Designed to accommodate 28,000 airport employees and passengers, the station is served by free shuttle buses operated by BIAL to align with train schedules. However, passenger usage remains low due to limited train services on the single-track Yelahanka–Devanahalli route.
Operational since 2008, Bengaluru Airport is located approximately 35 km from the city center. The new rail link is expected to ease commuting challenges and provide an additional transport option for travelers and airport staff.
