View of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
As work on the Bengaluru Airport metro line is underway, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has invited an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the design and construction of an elevated walkway connecting the upcoming Airport Terminal Metro Station (ATMS) with Terminal 1 (T1) at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
The proposed walkway is intended to provide trouble-free and convenient access for passengers commuting between the metro station and the terminal building. The EOI was issued on Tuesday and according to sources at BIAL, the project aims to improve pedestrian connectivity while ensuring seamless integration with the Namma Metro infrastructure.
Walkway with travelators and space for golf carts
According to officials, the elevated structure will span approximately 190 meters in length and have a total deck width of 10 meters, giving a total deck area of about 1,900 square meters. “The interior width of about 8.5 meters accommodates two 1.12 meter long travelators and two 2.65 meter long pedestrian lanes, in addition to providing space for the movement of a golf cart to assist passengers with reduced mobility,” the official said.
Officials said the walkway was conceived as a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient and sustainable structure that integrates modern architectural design with minimal disruption to airport operations during construction. “This facility will greatly improve commuting convenience and complement the upcoming metro line to the airport, ensuring a smooth transition between the metro and the terminal,” officials said.
Bengaluru Airport wants to handle 65 million fliers by 2030
KIA, one of India’s fastest growing airports, currently handles more than 42 million passengers a year and aims to reach more than 65 million passengers a year in the next five years, according to officials.
The Airport Terminal Metro Station will form a key part of the Namma Metro Blue Line, officially known as the ORR–Airport Metro Line, which is under construction and is now expected to be completed by December 2027. The line consists of two main sections, Phase 2A, connecting the Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapura (KR Pura), and Phase 2B, which runs from Kempegow International Airport KR Pura. Once operational, the metro will offer airport passengers a faster, more reliable and greener alternative.
Currently, the airport is connected to Bengaluru city through BMTC Vayu Vajra airport buses, KSRTC Flybus services from other parts of Karnataka and KIA Halt railway station which is about 3.5 km away. BIAL operates a free shuttle service between the railway station and the terminal, timed according to train timetables. However, ridership remains low due to limited train frequency on the Yelahanka–Devanahalli single track corridor.
Meanwhile, K-RIDE, which is developing the Bengaluru commuter rail project, is constructing the Sampige line connecting KSR Bengaluru, Yelahanka and Devanahalli, further improving future connectivity to the airport.
Published – 11 Nov 2025 21:13 IST
