Zindagi ka ek Safar: Encounter of the Third kind - B.I.A

Well ! For folks who are just wondering what is B.I.A - it would be Bengaluru International Airport, Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bangalore, India. The Bengaluru International Airport project build at an estimated 25.3 Billion Rupees (USD 6.33 Billion) was inaugurated on Friday, May 23, 2008for all domestic and International travellers. The following is my first-hand experience of a domestic flight out of the new Airport (B.I.A)....

Thus the day arrived when the I had to taken the first flight via the new B.I.A (remembering the good old days where it used to be 5-Min's walk to the old H.A.L Airport). Off-course the homework had being done - news paper reviews were read, feedback from friends (and foes) were taken, time estimations were done and last but not the least - the complete plan was divided into Phases. Here goes the Phases.

Phase 1: The Planning

Since I was travelling light, the Volvo Shuttle (operated by B.M.T.C) was the best bet. There are two kinds the non-A/C and the A/C ones. The frequency of the non-A/C ones is every 1/2 hrs ...while the frequency of the A/C ones are every 1 hour. Since I was starting off from Vinayaka Nagar (near Rajeshwari Theatre/SNS Arcade, Airport Road) - the HAL Departure stop was the best place, but it did not have a waiting area (shaded spaced). So I choose the JeevanBhimaNagar Bus Terminus to catch my bus to B.I.A. The exactly timings of the Volvo departures can be got online at: http://www.viaworld.in/bdo?action1=BSRC

The ticket price of the A/C Volvo from JeevanBhimaNagar to B.I.A is Rs 150.00. You can book online or take the ticket in the bus. Since the flight was at 17:55 hrs (Indigo to Delhi 6E 122), and not quite approximating the Bangalore Traffic - i chose the 1300 hrs (1:00 noon) Volvo to B.I.A.

At the JeevanBhimaNagar Bus Terminal there is a B.I.A liaison officer who helps with the queries from the passengers and providing requested details etc. The Bus (they keep shuttling) started on time. The Volvo's (only the A/C ones) have a luggage rack inside the Bus (woh ! Even the luggage gets to travel in A/C !!). It is good if folks are travelling with light luggage's...heavy suitcases/packages may cause problems in loading/unloading and storage. Well, was all settled in and the Volvo started...it was 1:00 noon...and by the time we started there were only 4-5 seats available (not sure if standing is allowed !!). Phase 1 completed.

Phase 2: F1 in the Volvo
The Volvo negotiated all the travel route quite comfortably and picking up passengers from the scheduled stops (only for B.I.A drop-off) enroute. The Volvo was completely full by the time we crossed CMH Road. A few of the passengers had online tickets - which proved that the online booking systems was secure too (for folks who like to do pre-planning). The Volvo raced the last 23 Kms (you can see no concrete jungle around..it is all greenery !) to reach B.I.A in exactly 1hr.30Min's (as mentioned in the BMTC schedule).

However, I would recommend for folks who are travelling in the peak-traffic hours to keep some time - as buffer - as one should know the Bangalore traffic bottle-necks and these Volvo's (at least the JeevanBheemaNagar to B.I.A) passes through many of them. Phase 2 completed.

Phase 3: The grand entrance to B.I.A

Reached B.I.A. The Volvo parking bay is bang in front of the new Airport. You just need to stroll down the area into the Airport. Nicely planned. As soon you see the Bengaluru International Airport, you will feel the essence of it. It is majestic, way beyond and better than the old H.A.L Airport (well the distance of the latter will always stay as a plus factor). Its looks and feels truly international.

And yes - the grand giant Louis Vuitton (LV) 'suitcase' prop (to denote an international/domestic frequent flyer) that welcomes all...you can never miss it !! Once there do keep a lookout on the LCD Display to see which counter (there are 50+ domestic check-in counters) is assigned for your flight/Airlines. Phase 3 completed.

Phase 4: Check-in

Entered "The" Airport. The immense size of the airport and its grandeur will surely take you by surprise. Unlike the old H.A.L airport - there is not x-ray screening of your baggage prior to entering the airport. You can just stroll with you luggage showing you Ticket/E-Ticket and Photo-ID card. Do locate your Check-in counter and proceed with the check-in.

Off-course you can choose to go to Coffee Cafe Day prior-to or after the check-in. With the Boarding pass in-hand, one is all free to roam and explore the new Airport. Security checking and boarding is from First floor.

Would have surely liked a bit more of seating areas for passengers waiting for check-in. The single line (pair) of the comfortable seating area falls short when there is huge crowd (many of then had come before time - factoring in the distant airport) of awaiting passengers. Phase 4 completed.

Phase 5: The Departure lounge

This where the 'international' standards come into play. After the Security check-in at first floor, you are greeted with a chain of shops that can surely make your purse lighter.

For Domestic Departure, you have - Shoppers Stop, La Moda (houses apparels and accessories of popular domestic and international brands), Crossword, Mithaas (serves local and regional sweets along with international chocolate brands and confectioneries), Taste of India (multi-cuisine restaurant serves a variety of cuisines from all over the world to suit any palate).

Off-course the Barista Bar (for the coffee connoisseur) and Time-Out Bar (for a quick drink before you fly) are add-ons for the thirsty passengers. Thus while away your time waiting for the boarding to start. The International departure lounge has a additional attraction ...the Kingfisher Bar. Well, maybe next time. Phase 5 completed.

Phase 6: The Flight out....

The time of the flight came through. Was expecting the aero-bridges to be used (there are only 6 of them), but well they were all full. There were Buses waiting to take us to the awaiting Airbus. With all passengers boarded the flight was all set to go. The Airport did have a huge expanse and multiple run-ways.

The old H.A.L Airport had 1 runway (I guess), but for the B.I.A, i counted at least 3 parallel run-ways (leaving aside the taxi-way for incoming/outgoing aircraft's). Well All set...The pilot commanded...'Flight Decks secure, Lock Doors..we are ready for Take Off'. Bon Voyage !

And finally - a spectacular shot, that I captured from the airbus window. See the shape and the finishing of the image. Guess it's NOT an UFO !