KR Puram-airport: Metro chugging in 2024

Nischith N. | NT

The much-awaited Metro line from K.R. Puram to Kempegowda International Airport, which has been on the drawing board since 2005, is finally taking off, with BMRCL all set to hand over the tender process for Reach 2 in 10 days. The land acquisition process, usually the Metro Rail corps’ biggest hurdle, has been completed and work will begin, if all goes well, three months after the tender is finalised. The 38-km line is being built at a cost of Rs 800 crore and includes 17 stations. “We are confident of finishing it by December 2024,” says Anjum Parwez, MD, BMRCL.

For Bengaluru commuters, it’s a mixed bag of blessings. The arrival of the airport line will be a boon, cutting travel time down to a fraction of what it is currently. On the other hand, it will hinder road access along the route for the next three years.

On Sunday, CM Basavaraj Bommai asked BMRCL officials to complete Phase II projects by 2024, a year ahead of the original deadline. While sources suspect he wishes to connect with urban voters, it has spurred BMRCL on to fast track the process.

The Airport City Metro station, which will be partly elevated and the underground KIA Terminal Metro Station, are intended for flyers.

The corporation will spend `800 crore to lay the Metro line to the airport stations and this sum will reportedly be reimbursed by KIAL. The project was sanctioned by the Government of Karnataka in January 2019, with the centre communicating its sanction on 28 April. The 58-km stretch from Central Silk Board to the Airport via K.R. Puram and Hebbal will cost Rs 14,778 crore.

AUTO FARES RAISED

The city’s auto drivers have been hankering for a raise in fares for some time now. The transport department has finally relented, increasing auto fares for the first time in eight years. The minimum fare has been hiked by `5 and now stands at Rs 30, with each additional kilometre costing `15. The new rates will come into effect from December 1. With LPG prices increasing by `17 in two years, the move has brought great relief to auto drivers.