AIRPORTS AND MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORT HUBS

Airports around the globe have focused on the development of Multi-Modal Transport Hubs (MMTH) to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. Indian airports, particularly those in Bengaluru and Delhi, have rapidly embraced this international trend. RASHEED KAPPAN dissects this trend and how it helps passengers get in and out of airports.

- RASHEED KAPPAN

A quick getaway from the airport post-landing is every arriving passenger's first priority. In sync with this ground reality, airports worldwide have put the spotlight on Multi-Modal Transport Hubs (MMTH) to guarantee hassle-free and seamless travel integration. Metro lines, suburban train tracks, buses and shared mobility cabs are all converging under one roof, maximising passenger comfort.

Indian airports, the Bengaluru and Delhi ones in particular, have been quick to adopt this global trend. Architecturally aligned to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA)’s flashy second terminal (T2), the aerodrome’s MMTH will house the Namma Metro’s airport line, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)’s Vayu Vajra Volvo buses and a terminal for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP)’s airport corridor.

KIA’s MMTH is currently at an advanced stage of construction. Sections such as a temporary parking area and drop-off area are being already operationalised. The hub will also integrate private car parking, multiple taxi services, and inter and intra-city buses operated by BMTC and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (BMTC).

The hub is expected to dramatically alter the way passengers commute the long distance between the city proper and the airport located over 40km away. Currently, about 72% of the passengers depend on cabs or drop-off private cars, while the rest 28% use the Vayu Vajra buses. Commuters wait for 30 minutes to almost an hour to get a taxi at the often-chaotic pickup points. A dedicated, neatly demarcated MMTH is expected to address these passenger concerns and assure seamless multi-modal transport options, once it is fully commissioned.