Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 in limbo, no civil work tenders eight months after Centre’s approval

Two Phase 3 corridors totalling 44.6 kms: one, JP Nagar 4th Phase-Kempapura stretch along ORR West (32.1 km) and the other the Hosahalli-Kadabagere line along Magadi Road (12.5 km)

It’s been eight months since the Union government approved two corridors under Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 at an estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore, but Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) is yet to float civil work tenders.

The two corridors (Orange Line) include JP Nagar 4th Phase–Kempapura stretch along ORR West (32.1 km) and Hosahalli–Kadabagere line along Magadi Road (12.5 km), totalling 44.6 km.

The delay stems from the Karnataka government's insistence on incorporating a double-decker flyover design into the project, without releasing the necessary funds to implement it.

“Phase 3 has been delayed mainly due to the state government's insistence on incorporating double-decker flyovers. We had to revise the land acquisition plan. The project cost is expected to increase by around Rs 9,000 crore,” a senior BMRCL official told Moneycontrol.

Also, read: With Union Cabinet approval for 2 corridors, Bengaluru’s Metro network to expand to 220 km by 2029

The state government had approved the two Metro corridors under Phase 3 in November 2022, and the Union government granted clearance in August 2024.

“The double-decker flyover along these two Metro corridors has only been announced. There is no written communication regarding funding, and the proposal is yet to receive approval from the state Cabinet. We are hoping that the BBMP will release the funds at the earliest,"  the official said.

"The 3.3-km double-decker flyover between Ragigudda and Central Silk Board on Marenahalli Road, which opened in 2024, was initially meant to be funded by the BDA, but we have not received any funds from them so far”, the official said.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Metro's Phase 3A—linking Sarjapur in southeastern Bengaluru with Hebbal in the north—was approved by the Karnataka government in December 2024 but is still awaiting clearance from the Union government.

Also, read: Explained: Upcoming Phase 3 metro line may dent real estate affordability in south Bengaluru

Cost escalations

The Phase 3 project, which has already seen significant delays, now faces further setbacks and potential cost escalations. “The cost has already increased by around 5 percent since the Government of India’s approval. Further delays are expected to push the cost up even more,” the official said.

The project cost for Metro's Phase 1 (42 km) rose from an estimated Rs 6,395 crore in 2005 to Rs 14,133 crore, while the cost for Phase 2 (72 km) increased from Rs 26,405 crore in 2014 to Rs 40,614.27 crore in 2024.

While Phase 3 has a deadline of 2029, it is unlikely to meet this timeline, as the contracts will require at least three to six months to mobilise manpower and machinery once awarded. Normally, it takes a minimum five years to complete a Metro corridor in Bengaluru from the start of construction.

BMRCL also plans to finalise the loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding part of the project in the coming months.

BMRCL managing director M Maheshwar Rao told Moneycontrol: "The project is being appraised by JICA, the funding agency. We will be reaching financial closure soon. We plan to float civil work tenders between July and August. There is no delay in the project due to the double-decker design."

Extending Metro network

Phase 3 is expected to cater to 7.85 lakh passengers daily, extending Bengaluru’s Metro network to 222.2 km. It will add 44.6 km of new lines, connecting underserved areas in the western part of the city. The alignment will integrate key zones such as the Peenya Industrial Area, IT corridors on Bannerghatta Road and ORR, as well as manufacturing hubs along Tumakuru Road and near Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL).

Multi-modal integration is also planned at 10 locations, including JP Nagar 4th Phase, JP Nagar, Kamakya Layout, Mysuru Road, Sumanahalli, Peenya, BEL Circle, Hebbal, Kempapura, and Hosahalli. These hubs will provide seamless interchanges with existing and upcoming Metro stations, BMTC bus terminals, Indian Railways stations, and proposed K-RIDE suburban rail stations.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro's Rs 28,405-crore Hebbal-Sarjapur corridor gets Karnataka govt approval