Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) plans to build an Eastern Connectivity Tunnel to link the eastern parts of Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). This initiative is part of BIAL’s ₹16,500 crore infrastructure upgrade aimed at meeting the growing demands of the city’s aviation sector. The project includes new metro stations on the airport campus, additional taxiways, expanded aircraft parking, and the completion of Terminal 2’s Phase 2.
The proposed 2.5 km tunnel, featuring four lanes, is designed to reduce travel time by approximately 30 minutes for commuters from Whitefield and nearby areas, bypassing the congested Hebbal flyover. This alternative route will divert up to 30% of traffic, easing congestion on the western access road. The proposal is awaiting state government approval, and construction is set to begin within the year, with completion expected in three years.
The new tunnel will directly connect the eastern state highway to the airport, running beneath the aircraft parking bays, minimizing disruptions. Hari Marar, CEO of BIAL, highlighted that this project will significantly improve traffic flow in Bengaluru, especially for passengers traveling from Whitefield.
In addition, BIAL is preparing for the construction of Terminal 3 (T3) to handle the anticipated increase in passenger traffic, as the airport is projected to reach its capacity of 85 million passengers annually by 2030-32. This marks a major milestone in Bengaluru’s aviation development.
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