As work on the Bengaluru Airport Metro line is in progress, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has invited Expressions 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 seamless 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 the BIAL, the project aims to enhance pedestrian connectivity while ensuring smooth integration with the Namma Metro’s infrastructure.
Walkway to feature travelators and space for golf carts
According to officials, the elevated structure will span approximately 190 metres in length and feature an overall deck width of 10 metres, translating to a total deck area of around 1,900 square metres. “The internal width of about 8.5 metres will accommodate two travelators of 1.12 metres each and two pedestrian lanes of 2.65 metres, besides allowing space for golf cart movement to assist passengers with limited mobility,” a official said.
The officials said that the walkway has been conceptualised as a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, and sustainable structure, integrating modern architectural design with minimal disruption to airport operations during construction. “This facility will greatly improve commuter convenience and complement the upcoming Airport Metro Line, providing a smooth transition between the metro and the terminal,” the officials said.
Bengaluru airport aims to handle 60 million flyers by 2030
The KIA, one of India’s fastest-growing airports, is currently handling more than 37 million passengers annually and aims to reach over 60 million passengers a year within the next five years, according to the officials.
The Airport Terminal Metro Station will form a crucial part of the Blue Line of Namma Metro, officially known as the ORR–Airport Metro Line, which is under construction and is now expected to be completed by December 2027. The line comprises two major sections, Phase 2A, connecting Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapura (K.R. Pura), and Phase 2B, extending from K.R. Pura to the Kempegowda International Airport. Once operational, the metro will offer a faster, more reliable, and eco-friendly alternative for airport commuters.
Currently, the airport is connected to Bengaluru city through the BMTC’s Vayu Vajra airport buses, KSRTC Flybus services from other parts of Karnataka, and the KIA Halt railway station, located about 3.5 km away. The BIAL operates free shuttle services between the railway halt and the terminal, timed with train schedules. However, passenger numbers remain low due to limited train frequency on the single-track Yelahanka–Devanahalli corridor.
Meanwhile, the K-RIDE, which is developing the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, is building the Sampige Line linking KSR Bengaluru, Yelahanka, and Devanahalli, further enhancing future connectivity to the airport.
Published – November 11, 2025 09:13 pm IST
