In a significant boost to urban connectivity, the upcoming Airport Station on Jaipur Metro's Line 2 is set to provide direct, seamless access to all three terminals of the Jaipur International Airport. This ambitious plan involves constructing dedicated underground tunnels and offering shuttle services, ensuring a hassle-free transit experience for air passengers with heavy luggage.
Direct Tunnel Access to All Terminals
The decision was finalized in a recent high-level meeting between officials of the Jaipur Metro Railway Corporation (JMRC) and the airport authority. A senior Metro official revealed that the city's airport currently operates two terminal buildings. However, by the time Metro Line 2 becomes operational, a third terminal will be functional adjacent to the existing Terminal-2 on the Sanganer side.
To integrate this expanded infrastructure, JMRC has devised a comprehensive plan. Three separate underground tunnels will be constructed to facilitate smooth passenger movement between the Metro station and each of the three terminals. The corporation will also install passenger-friendly amenities like walkalators (moving walkways) and elevators within these tunnels, specifically designed to assist travelers carrying heavy baggage.
Shuttle Services and Station Design
In addition to the tunnel network, airport authorities are likely to complement the connectivity with shuttle services running between the station and the terminals. This multi-modal approach aims to cover all bases for passenger convenience.
Mirroring the efficient design of the Delhi Metro's airport line, the Jaipur Airport Metro Station will feature two distinct entry and exit gates. One gate will be oriented towards the airport terminals, while the other will cater to passengers coming from or heading to the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Accelerated Construction in Seven Packages
The massive 43-kilometer Metro Line 2 will stretch from Prahladpura in Sitapura to Todi Mod in Vidhyadhar Nagar. To prevent delays and expedite the project, JMRC has divided the construction into seven distinct packages. Six of these will comprise elevated corridors, while the seventh package will be an underground section.
This underground corridor will connect Pinjrapole Gaushala and B2 Bypass, encompassing the crucial airport segment. A JMRC official explained that involving seven different firms in the construction process, one for each package, is a strategic move to ensure parallel progress and avoid bottlenecks. The official confirmed that work on all seven packages would proceed almost simultaneously to meet timelines.
In a concrete step forward, the tender for the first construction package, covering the stretch from Prahladpura to Pinjrapole Gaushala, was opened in December. This marks the beginning of the physical realization of a project set to transform transit for both residents and visitors to Jaipur.
