BMTC reaps benefits of toll-free alternative route to Bengaluru airport

BENGALURU: The alternative toll-free route to and from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) may be a nightmare for cab users given the safety issues. But it has turned out to be a blessing for BMTC.
The new route, which was opened last year, helps its Vayu Vajra services save time as well as toll charges. 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 of KIAS-8 (Electronics City-KIA) is three hours, but the actual time is more since it plies below the flyover and also via congested Hebbal stretch to reach the airport.On the other hand, KIAS-8E which is being operated from Electronics City Wipro Gate via E-City flyover, Silk Board, Marathahalli, Hennur Cross, Bagalur and Mylanahalli to KIA takes only two hours and 30 minutes.
KIAS-6A plying from Kadugodi through Nagawara and Hebbal to KIA takes over 2 hours 15 minutes. However, KIAS-15 from Whitefield to KIA via Vydehi Hospital, Pattandur Agrahara, Kadugodi bus station, Seegehalli, Katamnallur Gate, Budigere Cross, Mandur, Hancharahalli Gate, Thirumenahalli Cross, Budigere, Yelahanka Cross, Manchappanahalli Gate and Begur needs only 1 hour 40 minutes.
Vayu Vajra services, which mostly ply through Ballari Road are often stuck in long traffic jams, particularly in Hebbal. BMTC is also finding it difficult to meet trip targets because of increasing traffic on roads leading to the airport.
More schedules planned
BMTC, which operates 106 Vayu Vajra schedules, pays over Rs 10 lakh per month in terms of toll charges at Sadahalli toll gate on Ballari Road. Officials said they are planning to operate more schedules through the alternative road. “It’s not just saving time and toll charges. Many apartment complexes have come up in areas like Katamnallur, Budigere Cross, Hennur Cross, Bagalur and these buses are helping those residing there,” said an official.
The alternative road was opened to help residents from east and south Bengaluru. However, the deserted stretch witnessed several crimes, including robbery and attempt-to-rape cases in the recent past, making it unsafe for passengers during early morning or late night.