Bengaluru Airport to Build Rs 165 Billion Tunnel for Easier Access

09 Dec 2024 CW Team

Key features:

Route: Direct connection from the eastern state highway to the airport, bypassing the congested Hebbal flyover.

Time savings: Cuts travel time from eastern Bengaluru by at least 30 minutes.

Timeline: Construction begins this year with a three-year completion target.

Capacity: Integral to Bangalore International Airport Limited's (BIAL) Rs 165 billion expansion plan.

BIAL’s plan:
BIAL’s development strategy addresses Bengaluru's growing aviation demand, with KIA’s passenger traffic projected to reach 85 million annually by 2030-32. Key elements of the plan include:

Metro connectivity: Two new metro stations within the airport premises.

Upgraded taxiways: Improved taxiways to enhance aircraft movement.

Terminal 3 development: New terminal to handle increased passenger flow.

The Eastern Connectivity Tunnel will significantly ease airport access while complementing these broader infrastructure upgrades.

Benefits:

Reduced traffic: Expected to divert 30% of airport-bound vehicles, easing congestion across the city.

Improved access: Offers a faster, more efficient route to KIA for passengers in eastern Bengaluru.

Hari Marar, CEO of BIAL, noted the tunnel's impact on reducing travel times and congestion, calling it a transformative step for the city. “This tunnel will not only cut travel times but also enhance the overall flow of traffic in the city,” he said. The tunnel’s design ensures it passes beneath active aircraft parking areas, allowing uninterrupted airport operations.

This project is part of Bengaluru’s wider strategy to address chronic traffic congestion and improve mobility. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently emphasised the importance of tackling Bengaluru’s traffic issues. He also announced a new underground tunnel road project slated for 2025, complementing metro expansions and other initiatives.

The Eastern Connectivity Tunnel promises to transform travel within Bengaluru, offering a faster, more reliable route to KIA while laying the foundation for the city’s future infrastructure growth.

(Infra Tractor Junction)

The Eastern Connectivity Tunnel, a key infrastructure project for Bengaluru, is set to begin construction this year. The Rs 165 billion initiative aims to provide a direct and faster route to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) for travellers from eastern Bengaluru, including areas like Whitefield, Sarjapur, and Mahadevapura. The tunnel is expected to reduce airport travel time by approximately 30 minutes. Key features: Route: Direct connection from the eastern state highway to the airport, bypassing the congested Hebbal flyover. Time savings: Cuts travel time from eastern Bengaluru by at least 30 minutes. Timeline: Construction begins this year with a three-year completion target. Capacity: Integral to Bangalore International Airport Limited's (BIAL) Rs 165 billion expansion plan. BIAL’s plan: BIAL’s development strategy addresses Bengaluru's growing aviation demand, with KIA’s passenger traffic projected to reach 85 million annually by 2030-32. Key elements of the plan include: Metro connectivity: Two new metro stations within the airport premises. Upgraded taxiways: Improved taxiways to enhance aircraft movement. Terminal 3 development: New terminal to handle increased passenger flow. The Eastern Connectivity Tunnel will significantly ease airport access while complementing these broader infrastructure upgrades. Benefits: Reduced traffic: Expected to divert 30% of airport-bound vehicles, easing congestion across the city. Improved access: Offers a faster, more efficient route to KIA for passengers in eastern Bengaluru. Hari Marar, CEO of BIAL, noted the tunnel's impact on reducing travel times and congestion, calling it a transformative step for the city. “This tunnel will not only cut travel times but also enhance the overall flow of traffic in the city,” he said. The tunnel’s design ensures it passes beneath active aircraft parking areas, allowing uninterrupted airport operations. This project is part of Bengaluru’s wider strategy to address chronic traffic congestion and improve mobility. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently emphasised the importance of tackling Bengaluru’s traffic issues. He also announced a new underground tunnel road project slated for 2025, complementing metro expansions and other initiatives. The Eastern Connectivity Tunnel promises to transform travel within Bengaluru, offering a faster, more reliable route to KIA while laying the foundation for the city’s future infrastructure growth. (Infra Tractor Junction)

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..