The proposed Namma Metro train to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is expected to zip at nearly double the speed of other operational lines under Phase I.
Mahendra Jain, Managing Director, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL), said the average speed of Namma Metro to the international airport will be 60 to 65 kmph from Nagawara. The maximum speed could even touch 95 kmph.
The average speed on existing routes is 35 kmph.
"The length of the metro line from Nagawara to KIA is 29 km, and the train has only seven halts. The longer distance between stations helps to operate trains at higher speed. In addition to this, peak hours at airports are generally different from that within the city. During these hours, metro trains to the KIA could be operated with limited halts. The BMRCL will put infrastructure in place to operate trains at higher speed on the line," said Mr. Jain.
He added that the interior and seat arrangements of the metro trains to be operated to the airport would be different from the existing metro trains. "Though the length and number of coaches would remain same, more space will provided for passengers to keep their luggage."
UDF proposal with Centre
Meanwhile, the proposal of increasing the User Development Fee (UDF) for airport passengers to partially fund the KIA metro line has reached the central government. On December 11, the State cabinet had approved extension of the metro line from Nagawara to KIA. The BMRCL is to spend ₹ 5,950 crore for the project. The State government had proposed imposing a UDF between ₹60 to ₹80 on air passengers.
The new line is expected to benefit 1.25 lakh passengers per day and is likely to be operational from 2021.
Mr. Jain said, "After the cabinet approval, through the infrastructure development department, a proposal has been sent to the Union government. The regulatory authority concerned will take a call on how much the UDF can be increased and how long the fee can be collected."
In addition to metro, the State government is requesting South Western Railways to upgrade the existing railway line from Yeshwantpur to KIA via Yelahanka to operate trains in future.
"Many cities across the globe have different modes of transport to reach the airport. The State government is exploring all possibilities to link the KIA with different modes. The railways can explore the possibility of operating electric trains in future and the State government is ready to share the cost,” he added.
