New Rail Link to Connect Bengaluru Airport: Ashwini Vaishnaw
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Synopsis
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans for a new railway connection to link Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. The project includes a 7.9-kilometre track with both elevated and underground sections, addressing technical challenges while integrating with existing metro services.
Key Takeaways
- New rail link to connect Bengaluru Airport.
- Track length: 7.9 km with 3 stations.
- 6.25 km elevated, 1.65 km underground.
- Integration with existing metro services.
- State government responsible for metro fare hikes.
Bengaluru, Feb 15 (NationPress) Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics, and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, revealed on Saturday that a new railway connection will soon be established to link Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
In a media briefing at the party office in Bengaluru, the minister detailed that a new railway line running from Doddajala Railway Station to Bengaluru International Airport will stretch 7.9 kilometres and feature three stations.
"Out of the total 7.9-kilometre track to the airport, 6.25 kilometres will be elevated, while 1.65 kilometres will be positioned underground," he stated. He further noted that Bengaluru International Airport is being integrated with both suburban and metro rail networks.
He recognized the technical difficulties associated with the project and committed that the railway department is diligently addressing them.
“On my last trip to Bengaluru, I traveled from a nearby railway station to the city, enjoying a smooth 45-minute ride. There are technical challenges, including the need for a railway overpass. The team has finalized the necessary work, and they will soon present the blueprint. I will share it with you as soon as it is ready,” he mentioned.
Responding to concerns regarding the metro fare increase, the Union Minister clarified that the responsibility lies solely with the state government.
“All matters related to the metro are under the state government's authority. Despite this, a committee for metro fare adjustments exists only in Karnataka, not in Delhi. Given these circumstances, it is unfair to hold the BJP accountable for the fare rise,” he explained.
He further elaborated that similar regulations are in place in other major cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Metro projects fall under the state governments' jurisdiction, which have the sole authority to make decisions regarding metro services.
"The state government is responsible for all advancements related to metro services. The Central government has not issued any orders concerning metro fares," he concluded.
