Bengaluru Suburban Rail: K-RIDE Considers Doddajala Route For Kempegowda International Airport Connectivity

The Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company (K-Ride) is embarking on a strategic re-evaluation of its plans for the Bengaluru suburban rail project (BSRP), concerning the crucial link to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

It is now considering a rail route originating from Doddajala instead of the previously envisaged Trumpet Interchange on Ballari Road.

This reconsideration stems from a comprehensive assessment indicating that the Doddajala route holds the potential to serve a significantly larger demographic in the vicinity of the airport.

By branching off at Doddajala, the proposed rail link can provide connectivity to a broader range of areas, including the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s Defence and Aerospace Park, villages to the southern part of KIA, and residential neighbourhoods.

Additionally, the alignment of the proposed route runs parallel to alternative roads linking the airport from the southern side, potentially offering more convenient access to commuters.

The proposal also emphasises the importance of feeder services, such as shuttle buses, to connect the new station to industrial hubs and residential areas, thereby enhancing the overall accessibility and usability of the suburban rail system.

The scrutiny of the alignment and the approval process involving the South Western Railway (SWR) indicates a thorough evaluation of the project's feasibility and alignment to ensure its successful implementation.

Challenges such as busy rail lines and the need for elevation in certain sections underscore the complexities involved in developing suburban rail infrastructure in densely populated and busy corridors.

Although initially deprioritised due to other transit projects like the Metro Blue Line, the suburban rail project to Devanahalli has regained attention, highlighting its significance in improving transportation connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport and surrounding areas.

BSRP Project

The existing BSRP project plan comprises four corridors with a total length of 148.17 km. The project cost is estimated at Rs 15,677 crore.

These corridors include KSR Bengaluru City to Devanahalli (corridor 1 - 41.4 km), Baiyappanahalli to Chikkabanavara (corridor 2 - 25.01 km), Kengeri to Whitefield (corridor 3 - 25.01 km), and Heelalige to Rajanukunte (corridor 4 - 46.25 km).

On 20 June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the suburban rail project in the city. He promised that the project would be completed in 40 months.