KSTOA seeks alternative road to Bengaluru airport amid increasing commuter challenges

The letter from the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA) underscored how the current state of the airport road impacts not just convenience but also the reputation of Bengaluru as a cosmopolitan city.

The Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA) has raised concerns over the existing connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. In a recently written letter addressed to the Central and State Governments, the association has highlighted the urgent need for an alternative road of international standards to accommodate the rapidly growing demand from both domestic and international travellers.

The KSTOA has proposed the development of a new alternative road to the airport through Hennur, Thanisandra, Bagalur, Bandi Kodigehalli, Mylanahalli, Chikkana Halli, and Begur. The association emphasised that the new road should be designed to withstand all weather conditions and ensure smooth travel to KIA.

In the letter written to Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje, who is the MP from Bengaluru North, with a copy to the president of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), KSTOA president Radhakrishna Holla highlighted that the KIA has seen exponential growth since it began operations in 2008. According to the KSTOA, the airport handles over 1,45,000 passengers daily, and around 700 domestic and international flights.

However, the increase in traffic has exposed significant shortcomings in the current road infrastructure.

Mr Holla told The Hindu, “The main access route from Bengaluru to KIA, which runs from Devanahalli through the city and includes the critical Hebbal overbridge, is struggling to keep pace (with the growth in passenger traffic). This road is frequently congested, causing delays for travellers heading to the airport. A lack of viable alternatives puts undue strain on this route, leading to frustration among commuters.”

North Bengaluru has been bearing much of the brunt of the recent North East monsoon rains, with several parts flooded.

“We need a road that reflects Bengaluru’s status as a global city. With an increasing number of travellers and the importance of our airport as a major hub, the current infrastructure is simply not enough,” Mr Holla said.