BMTC introduces non-AC bus service between Hebbal and Bengaluru airport

BENGALURU: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation on Wednesday introduced a non-AC bus service between Hebbal and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
The new route (281-AP) with three buses are plying via Hebbal, Byatarayanapura, Yelahanka, Bettahalsoor, Doddajala, Shettigere, airport back gate and then KIA. The service — between 6am and 10pm — is also expected to ensure better connectivity between Doddajala railway station and the airport.
For instance, trains like 76551 KSR Bengaluru-Kolar, 06595 Yeshwantpur-Chikkaballapur and 76525 Channapatna-Kolar DEMU pass through Doddajala station, which is about 12Km from KIA.However, South Western Railway is yet to introduce additional trains on Bengaluru City - Devanahalli - Chikkaballapur line, which would have benefited airport-bound passengers.
BMTC officials said the new service is mainly for airport workers and people from nearby areas who cannot afford its air-conditioned Vayuvajra buses. “We have started these services on a pilot basis, mainly for poor workers working in the airport and nearby areas. We will extend the services based on the response,” said a senior BMTC official.
However, BMTC officials fear that new bus service likely to be a threat to Vayuvajra as many passengers may shift to these non-AC buses. A few years ago, BMTC had introduced suburban-cum-trumpet route special bus service between Hebbal and KIA. However, it was later withdrawn. In fact, 1.4km Main Access Road (MAR) is now closed for two years from June 10 for widening from the existing four lanes to 10. The MAR is the road linking the Trumpet Interchange to the airport terminal.
BMTC operates 101 Vayu Vajra buses on 16 airport routes, of which Electronics City and Majestic have the highest ridership. In the absence of proper rail connectivity, BMTC buses and private cabs are the only modes of transport for passengers. BMTC also recently began operations through alternative toll-free route to and from KIA. BMTC is operating two Vayu Vajra services: KIAS-8E Electronics City- KIA (five schedules and 17 trips) and KIAS-15 Whitefield- KIA (four schedules and 28 trips) through the new route via Hennur and Begur. The running time through new route is less compared to congested Hebbal stretch to reach the airport.