Bengaluru: A train connecting Bengaluru city railway station with Kempegowda International Airport began its maiden journey on Monday.
The train will run six days a week, except on Sunday. The commute time between the airport and Bengaluru city is approximately 45 minutes.
The train fare from the city to airport is ₹15. Three pairs of DEMU (diesel–electric multiple unit) services have been introduced on the section, with the first service starting at 4.45am.
A free shuttle service will run between the airport and the railway station, the airport tweeted.
Commuters usually shell out ₹270 for travel by the Vayuvajra service, the special AC bus of the state-owned Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, between both destinations.
Private cab operators charge between ₹700 and ₹1,200 for each trip.
Meanwhile, in addition to the three DEMUs, Bengaluru Cantonment Bangarpet Yesvantpur DEMU and Yesvantpur Bangarpet KSR Bengaluru DEMU will run via Kempegowda International Airport Devanahalli (KIAD) Railway Station with a stoppage at KIAD, South Western Railway said.
There is a railway line adjacent to the Kempegowda International Airport, but it had no link with the city.
“Starting today, Bengalureans can take a train to the Kempegowda International Airport Devanahalli station. The trains will operate from Bengaluru city station to the newly built KIA, Devanahalli Railway halt station,” tweeted chief minister B. Yeddyurappa.