Bengaluru’s Hebbal–Sarjapur Metro corridor: Union minister says cost estimate needs expert review

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal Khattar on May 23 said that the cost estimate for Bengaluru’s proposed Hebbal–Sarjapur Metro corridor should be reviewed by an expert agency.

Speaking during a review of various urban missions in Bengaluru, the minister said: “The Karnataka government has submitted the Phase-3A (Hebbal–Sarjapur) proposal of the Bangalore Metro, covering around 37 km at an estimated cost of Rs 28,400 crore. This cost estimate needs to be scrutinised by an expert agency. The Central government has already issued directions in this regard. The project will be considered for approval once the required response is received from the Karnataka government.”

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

The 37-km corridor, which is estimated to cost Rs 28,405 crore, was approved by the Karnataka government in December 2024 and is currently awaiting final approval from the Centre.

Sources said GoI has sought justification for the underground construction cost included in the DPR.  "We need to respond to the Ministry's observations, as this corridor includes a 22.14 km elevated section with 17 Metro stations and a 14.45 km underground section with 11 stations. As one of the costliest Metro corridors, it requires thorough justification. Civil construction will commence only after receiving approval from the Centre." a senior BMRCL official said.

The corridor is considered vital as it connects Sarjapur, a key tech hub, with Hebbal, passing through the Central Business District and Koramangala.

On the broader Metro network, Khattar said that around 75 km of the Bengaluru Metro is operational, with another 145 km under construction.

“Just a few months ago, the Central government sanctioned 45 km of the Phase-3 Metro network at a cost of Rs 15,600 crore,” he said.

He added that the revised cost estimate for the Phase-2 Metro project will be considered for approval once the proposal, recently cleared by the state cabinet, is submitted to the Central government.

On May 22, the Karnataka cabinet approved the revised cost for Bengaluru Metro Phase-2, which has increased from Rs 26,405.14 crore to Rs 40,425.02 crore, primarily due to higher land acquisition and civil work costs. The network length has also increased from 72.09 km to 75.06 km. The revised proposal will now be sent to the Centre for approval.

The minister also stressed the need to allow a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) along mass transit corridors, stating: “This will reshape cities, reduce road congestion, and promote greater use of public transport.”

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro submits DPR for Rs 28,405 crore Hebbal-Sarjapur corridor to state govt, seeks approval