BENGLAURU: Lakhs of people come to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) every day from various parts of the state. They come to Bengaluru Majestic and from there, go to the airport and return. But now, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is planning to give another good news to airport passengers. It is currently considering running direct buses from the airport to various neighbouring districts where BMTC operates.
The BMTC buses have expanded their reach to all directions of Bengaluru. Around 6,750 buses, including electric buses, operate daily and 30–35 lakh people travel every day. For the convenience of passengers and for the benefit of people around Bengaluru, BMTC has started operating buses up to about 70 kilometers beyond the GBA limits.
The BMTC buses, including express services, are already plying to Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Anekal, Magadi, Tumakuru and several other places. If there is demand from airport passengers for BMTC buses to these places, the corporation is considering running direct express buses from the airport.
Currently, 150 buses operate daily from the airport to various areas of Bengaluru, and about 12–15 thousand people travel daily in BMTC Volvo buses. If BMTC starts direct bus services from the airport to districts or places around Bengaluru, people from some districts will get direct bus transport service. This will save time and money and traffic congestion hassles can be avoided. Currently, KSRTC is providing FlyBus service from the airport to various towns. Now, BMTC says it is considering providing this express bus service to places where it operates based on passenger demand.
At the airport, there is only one bay or line to park BMTC and KSRTC buses. Hence, BMTC has asked the airport authorities for another line to park buses. The airport authorities have indicated approval for this and it is likely to be available in a few months. Overall, if this plan succeeds, it will be very beneficial for airport passengers.
“The airport authorities have agreed to provide another bay and work is already under way. We hope to expand services in another month and already 150 buses are operating and 12-14,000 passengers take the service every day. Based on demand, we will consider services to the airport from Tumakur, Chikkaballapur and other places”, Prabhakar Reddy, Chief Traffic Manager of BMTC told Public TV.
