Bengaluru Airport's New Tunnel Time Trave To Reduce By 30 Minutes
Bengaluru Airport’s New Tunnel to Cut 30 Minutes of Travel Time from Whitefield
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is set to benefit from a new infrastructure project—the Eastern Connectivity Tunnel. This tunnel will directly connect the eastern parts of the city, including Whitefield, Sarjapur, and Mahadevapura, to the airport, aiming to reduce travel times by approximately 30 minutes.
Key Features of the Project
Reduced Travel Time: The new tunnel will significantly cut down travel time from Whitefield to the airport, alleviating congestion on the heavily used Hebbal flyover.
Infrastructure Expansion: The project is part of the Bangalore International Airport Limited's (BIAL) ₹16,500 crore expansion plan to support Bengaluru's rapidly growing aviation sector.
Improved Traffic Flow: By diverting nearly 30% of airport-bound traffic, the tunnel will ease congestion and improve overall traffic flow across the city.
Construction Timeline: The construction of the Eastern Connectivity Tunnel is set to begin this year and is expected to be completed within three years.
Additional Enhancements: The project includes constructing two new metro stations on the airport campus, expanding taxiways, building new aircraft parking stands, and upgrading parking infrastructure.
Impact on Commuters
The new tunnel will provide a reliable route for airport-bound passengers from the eastern state highway, offering a seamless connection to the airport terminal without disrupting ongoing airport operations. This innovative approach is expected to handle substantial traffic volumes, providing a much-needed alternative to the existing western approach1.
Statements from Officials
Hari Marar, CEO of BIAL, highlighted that the tunnel's design will improve overall traffic flow and provide a reliable route for airport-bound passengers. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also emphasized that the project will decongest Bengaluru and ease vehicular movement1.
As Bengaluru continues to grow, the Eastern Connectivity Tunnel promises to be a game-changer in improving accessibility and reducing travel time for commuters from Whitefield and surrounding areas.