· Passenger Traffic is projected to grow more than 3-fold in 10 years : from 27 million in 2017-18 to about 92 million in 2027-28.
· Cargo Traffic is projected to more than double in 10 years : from 350,000 Tons in 2017-18 to about 750,000 tons in 2027-28.
· And these figures do not take into account the expansion of the Airport in terms of second runway, terminal, etc.
· Only Private Cars, Public Cabs and BMTC Buses are NOT ENOUGH !
Regarding Train connectivity, BIAL states ( page 114 of AERA Order : http://aera.gov.in/upload/order/5b8a235504afbFinal%20BIALOrder311819.pdf ) in response to the issues raised by Sanjeev Dyamannavar through AERA. “BIAL wishes to submit that the decision for suburban railway is a subject matter of the Railway Board and BIAL cannot comment on the same.”
And, on the same page, BIAL goes on to state : “The connectivity and transportation issues come under the purview of the State Government and BIAL coordinates with GoK for ensuring mass public transport. Currently more than 250 BMTC buses ply daily to the airport for passenger commute. In Dec 2017, the GoK has cleared the line for Metro connectivity to the airport, which should address the mass public transport issues.”
BIAL is fully aware of the situation, including the fact that the work on the underground section from Dairy Circle to Nagavara by BMRCL is a BIG ZERO until now. Without this underground section, there is no metro connectivity to airport. From all present indications, it looks like this will take 5 years from now.
Right now, a Passenger train takes 30 minutes to cover 26 kms to reach Doddajala (see figure) from Yesvantpur (via Lottegollahalli, Kodigehalli, Yelahanka and Bettahalasur). A fast non-stop train can cover this distance in less than 20 mins. Similarly, a train from Byappanahalli can reach Doddajala well within 40 mins. And both Yesvantpur and Byappanahalli already have adjacent Metro connectivity.
Why should BIAL not take the lead – decide on the Station Location, step forward to build the Station infrastructure, provide suitable road connection to the existing road and run free electrical Buses to the Terminal ? After all they will be taking care of their own Clients. BIAL must take the lead, and both State & Central Govts must fast-track the whole project to ensure better quality of life for the 1.2 Crore population of Namma City.