On completion of the journey from two different routes on the city’s periphery to HAL Airport, it was clear that the connectivity headaches were similar.

The experience compared well with the one undertaken to the BIA airport. The cab driver assigned to drive through the chaotic traffic route had a similar problem: constant clutching-braking and long unnecessary breaks at never ending traffic signals.

The nightmarish trip commenced from Ring Road connecting Mysore Road (near BHEL) junction to the HAL Airport at sharp 9.30 am, perceived to be the peak hour. The journey ended only around 11 a.m., almost 90 minutes later.

The 17 kilometre drive, from the time the car hit the Mysore Road, was all about moving at a snail’s pace. The cab driver had to negotiate a swarm of vehicles, including heavy motor vehicles, State and inter-state buses and big trucks.

As the cab inched closer to Byatrayanapura, it was clear the journey would take much longer time than expected. Vehicles lined up one after another till the BGS Flyover. The time was 10 am.

After the temporary relief of cruising over the flyover, it was back to the madness. The road leading through Jubilee Park to Hudson Circle was narrow and no vehicle moved for a couple of minutes. The traffic pile-up continued all way till Kasturba Road. 

The Metro Rail road widening works on MG Road added to the woes. The vehicular speeds were back to snail’s pace, all the way till Trinity Circle. The Metro Rail barricades erected on both sides of the road meant there would be roadblocks everywhere.

Once on Airport Road, traffic movement was quick except for interruptions near Manipal Hospital and ISRO junctions.

Finally, just when one thought that the nightmarish experience was over and that one could drive all the way to the terminal building and check-in, there was further trouble.

Vehicles were piling up on the Airport road, before the right turn to the airport. Ahead was another headache: Finding a space in the chaotic airport parking lot. It took another 15 to 20 minutes.

Electronic City to BIA
Compared to this 17-kilometre journey, the 60-km drive from Electronic City to BIA in January took two-and-half hours.

The reality check exposed two things for the South Bangalore residents and company executives demanding the retention of the HAL airport in the name of connectivity constraints to the BIA.

One, it has not been or will be an easy drive to the HAL airport. Second, if the planned connecting roads are ready, the International airport at Devanahalli may not be that far.