Switching between terminals at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is set to become easier with the planned introduction of an automated people mover (APM). Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has invited bids for design consultancy services for the proposed project.
APMs are driverless, rail-based transit systems used for short-distance, high-frequency passenger movement, commonly seen at major airports, theme parks and large campuses worldwide. Operating on technologies such as monorails or rubber-tyred systems, they are designed to provide efficient and seamless inter-terminal connectivity. Several airports in the US, China, Malaysia and Singapore already use such systems.
Plans for installing an APM at KIA were first announced in December 2023. Once implemented, KIA will become the first airport in India to operate an automated inter-terminal transit system. Currently, electric shuttle buses are used to ferry passengers between the two terminals.
