Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), on December 29, said the bus terminus at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has been relocated to a new world-class facility.
"The new bus terminus at the Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) brings BMTC Vayu Vajra and the KSRTC Flybus under one roof, simplifying connections and offering enhanced facilities," said a release from Bangalore International Airport Limited, which operates KIA.
"MMTH is located near Terminal 2, allowing passengers arriving and departing from the terminal to walk to the bus terminus. On the other hand, the bus terminus at Terminal 1 will serve as a pickup and drop-off point," it said.
"Buses returning from the city will first drop off passengers at Terminal 1 before proceeding to the MMTH. Travellers connecting to city buses can board any returning bus at Terminal 1 and alight at T2 MMTH without incurring any additional charges," it explained.
Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) officials stated that they operate 5,571 buses, including 337 Vajra Air-conditioned and 137 Vayu Vajra services.
"At present, BMTC operates 137 Vayu Vajra buses on 18 routes, ferrying an average of 14,000 passengers per day," said a BMTC official.
KSRTC Flybus
Meanwhile, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation's intercity airport service – Flybus – which began operations in August 2013, completed a decade of operations.
"A passenger saloon is also provided at MMTH for Flybus passengers with ultra-modern interiors, reclining hi-tech passenger seats, imported floor carpeting, high-mounted 2 LCD TVs of 26" & 17" for better viewing pleasure, and a restroom facility," said a release from KSRTC
"KSRTC started with only one Flybus service to Mysuru, but due to the demand from Flybus passengers, we have now increased it to 13 Flybus services.", it said.
Currently, KSRTC operates nine services from Kempegowda International Airport to Mysuru, two Flybus services from KIA to Kundapura and back via Mangalore, Udupi, and 2 Flybus services from KIA to Madikeri and back via Mysuru and Kushalnagar.
Multi-Modal Transport Hub
While Phase 1 of MMTH, which includes the bus terminus and parking facilities, is now completed, Phase 2 and the KIA Terminals Metro station (KR Puram-Hebbal-KIA Metro corridor) are expected to commence in 2026. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has entered into an MoU with BIAL, and the latter has agreed to construct two Metro stations on its premises: Airport City (an at-grade station) and KIA Terminals (partially underground).
MMTH will also feature retail, food and beverage (F&B), and entertainment facilities. MMTH is situated approximately 800 meters from Terminal 1 and 100 meters from T2. BIAL operates shuttle buses connecting MMTH to both T1 and T2. MMTH covers an area of approximately 1.39 lakh square meters, which includes parking as well as retail development space at the ground level.
Airport City Metro Station
Meanwhile, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) recently invited bids for the construction of the Airport City Metro Station (ACMS) on the Metro’s Blue Line. This new metro station, part of Bangalore Metro’s Phase 2B project (Airport Line), will have a built-up area of around 14,000 sqm.
Airport City Metro Station
According to BIAL, MMTH hub will integrate bus and Metro stations, private car/taxi/cab parking, a baggage sorting area, and a retail area. In India, most airports are not integrated with multiple modes of transport. For example, Chennai airport has Metro and suburban stations in the vicinity, along with a multi-level car parking facility and a bus stop. However, they are not integrated under a single roof.
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