The Namma Metro line, in all likelihood will enter the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) premises from the Trumpet Flyover side, running parallel to the main access road.
The elevated line will run on the left side of the BIAL main road, before going underground near the Air Traffic Control (ATC) building, it is learnt from reliable sources.
Citing security regulations, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has ruled out any underground alignment from the Southern side that would cut across
the second runway before entering the terminal buildings.
This also rules out three of the nine Metro routes from the city to KIA suggested by consultancy firm, RITES. Speculations were rife that the state government would prefer the shortest 25.9 km route via Nagwara, Kannur and Bagaluru.
The three alignments, essentially an extension of the Metro Phase II line from Gottigere to Nagwara, would have made sense only if it had gone underground before the airport's perimeter wall. The line would then run perpendicular to the second runway and reach the terminal building.
But BIAL's President, Airport Operations, Hari Marar is categorical that no road or rail connectivity can be permitted under the runway. “The country's security regulations are clear about that. The Metro line will come along the Trumpet flyover,” he told DH.
If connectivity along the Trumpet Flyover is the only feasible route, the state government’s options would be limited to only three alignments. The 28.4km Yeshwanthpur - Kodigehalli - Yelahanka - Trumpet – Airport line; the 29.1km Nagawara – Hebbal – Yelahanka – Trumpet – Airport line and the Nagawara – Kogilu Layout – Yelahanka – Trumpet – Airport route.
The state is expected to take a final call on the route alignment shortly. It is too early to speculate on the stations within the airport premises. But sources say a station has been proposed in front of the Indian Oil Skytank Fuel Farm inside the KIA campus. The main airport station is likely to be underground, attached to the second terminal.
Trumpet Flyover widening
The Trumpet Flyover is likely to be widened to six lanes to cater to the rising passenger traffic. The Metro alignment through the route will also necessitate a modification of the structure. Indications are that the six lanes from the flyover
will be elevated all the way to the airport's second terminal. The existing BIAL main access road underneath will lead to Terminal-1A, sources said.