Bengaluru is poised to introduce its first transit-oriented development (TOD) near Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Devanahalli, as part of the Bengaluru-Hyderabad high-speed rail corridor. This integrated model aims to create compact, high-density, mixed-use communities centered around mass transit systems, reducing reliance on private vehicles and alleviating chronic traffic congestion.
Project Overview and Land Acquisition
The proposed development will integrate air and rail connectivity with other transport modes, positioning Devanahalli as a multimodal hub. To facilitate this, 80 hectares of land are slated for acquisition. A senior official from the infrastructure development department confirmed that the state government will oversee land acquisition, ensuring no overlap with the international airport. The detailed project report (DPR), once finalized, will provide further clarity.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) is executing the 607-km Bengaluru-Hyderabad corridor, featuring 15 stations. RITES is conducting the final location survey and preparing the DPR. Within Karnataka, the corridor spans 101 km, with three stations planned at Alipura (Chikkaballapur district), Devanahalli, and Kodihalli (both in Bengaluru Rural district).
Alignment and Connectivity
Preliminary plans indicate the elevated corridor will run along National Highway 44 near Chikkasanne and pass by Bettakote Lake. The Devanahalli station is proposed approximately 2 km north of KIA, 9.5 km from the railway station, and 7.9 km from the bus stand. RITES has held multiple discussions with Bangalore International Airport and government officials regarding the alignment. The state government has appointed the additional secretary (railways) of the infrastructure development department as the nodal agency.
State Cabinet Approval and Land Allocation
The state cabinet has granted in-principle approval for two corridors: Hyderabad-Bengaluru and Bengaluru-Chennai. For these centrally funded projects, the government has approved land acquisition of about 1,757 hectares, with nearly 77% allocated for the Chennai-Bengaluru corridor. The initial stretch within Karnataka for the Chennai corridor covers approximately 100 km from Kolar through Kodihalli, Whitefield, and Byappanahalli. Around 90% of this section will be elevated, with the remainder underground, including stations at Whitefield and Byappanahalli.
The Hyderabad-Bengaluru corridor traverses three Karnataka districts. According to preliminary plans, after Hindupur, the corridor runs 6 km in Tumakuru district and 24 km in Chikkaballapur district, with a major 70-km portion through Bengaluru Rural district. Transit-oriented development is also proposed at Alipura, requiring an additional 80 hectares of land. The finance department has directed full reimbursement of administrative costs related to land acquisition and utility shifting by the implementing agency.
Industry Minister's Remarks
Industries Minister M B Patil welcomed the high-speed rail links connecting Bengaluru with Chennai and Hyderabad, expressing hope for a future corridor linking Pune with north Karnataka districts.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
In 2009, the then BJP government proposed a high-speed rail project from MG Road to KIA via Hebbal, but the Rs 3,700-crore project was shelved due to land acquisition issues and high costs. KIA, which handled 45 million passengers in the previous financial year, has been operational for 18 years without a mass transit link. BMTC's Vayu Vajra services exist, but most passengers rely on private transport and taxis.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation has set a 2027 deadline for the 58-km Blue Line project connecting KIA and Silk Board. Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Company has finalized alignment for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, though tenders are pending.
Hoskote as Emerging Transit Hub
Hoskote, on the eastern outskirts, is set to become a major transit hub connecting both the Bengaluru-Hyderabad and Bengaluru-Chennai high-speed rail corridors. Similar to Devanahalli, Kodihalli in Hoskote is expected to develop as a transit-oriented hub. The Bengaluru-Chennai corridor will have eight stations, with four in Karnataka: Kolar, Kodihalli, Whitefield, and Byappanahalli. Of the 306-km stretch, about 106 km passes through Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, and Bengaluru Urban districts. The corridor requires approximately 1,358 hectares of land, with an additional 80 hectares each for TOD zones at Kodihalli and Kolar stations. Underground stations are planned at Byappanahalli and Whitefield, with Byappanahalli integrating high-speed rail with suburban and metro networks.
Key Specifications of Bengaluru-Hyderabad Corridor
- Total length: 607 km
- Number of stations: 15
- Length in Karnataka: 101 km
- Stations in Karnataka: 3 (Alipura, Devanahalli, Kodihalli)
- Design speed: 350 kmph; operational speed: 320 kmph
- Land requirement in Karnataka: 237.5 hectares (plus 80 hectares for TOD at Alipura and Devanahalli)
- Forest land required: 5 hectares
- Implementing agency: NHSRCL; DPR by RITES
Existing travel times for Bengaluru-Hyderabad include 11 hours by Rajdhani Express, 8.15 hours by Vande Bharat, 1.20 hours by air, 9-9.30 hours by bus, and a projected 2 hours 8 minutes by bullet train.
