'Calls for regular train services to airport by MP need to be followed up'

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Despite repeated demands for regular train services from the city to the airport by elected representatives, officials, passengers and activists feel that poor planning, in addition to less takers makes materialising their demand a lost cause.

On micro-blogging platform ‘X’, Bangalore Central Member of Parliament P C Mohan urged the South Western Railways (SWR) to commission MEMU trains from Baiyappanahalli to the Kempegowda International Airport Halt station from 5 am to 8 am in 10 minute intervals.

At present, Only four trains run from Baiyappanahalli to the halt station, in which two of them run between 5 am and 9 am. Ticketing officials in the station feel that there are less takers to the airport.

“Many prefer to go to Nandi Halt and Chikkaballapura. In a day, the maximum passengers to the airport is not beyond 10,” an official told News Trail. Gagesh, an airport passenger, admitted that regular services to the airport would be a big boon.

“However, the number of travellers to the airport is very less. I’ve been the only passenger in the morning and afternoon trips, but on the evenings, passengers fill the compartments.

Cleanliness of the coaches is a point of concern for passengers like Gagesh, “However, if more people travel, then that could be sorted out,” he added.

MP’s demand valid but follow up important - Activists

Activists and rail passengers felt the need for regular trains was important.

However, Rajkumar Dugar from Citizens 4 Citizens felt that elected representatives should follow up on whatever they demand.

“It is important that they sit with the railway authorities and ensure trains run regularly,” he said. Dugar pointed out three main reasons for less patronage: Frequency, Reliability and Punctuality. “Trains need to arrive and depart frequently, this will help passengers in not missing their flight journeys, and can plan their trips accordingly," Dugar said.