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

In November 2022, the Karnataka government approved these two Phase 3 corridors. However, it had been pending before the Union government for nearly two years. While it was expected to be cleared before the Lok Sabha elections, but the approval was delayed for various reasons.

According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement, “Bengaluru will have a total Metro Rail Network of 220.20 km once the Phase 3 is operational”.

Currently, 73-km Metro network is operational, including Purple Line (Challaghatta–Whitefield, 42.17 km, 37 stations) and Green Line (Nagasandra–Silk Institute, 30 km, 29 stations). The Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) prepared by the Karnataka government envisages setting up a 317 km metro rail network in Bengaluru by 2031.

A senior BMRCL official told Moneycontrol, 'The 3-km elevated section (Nagasandra to Madavara (BIEC) will be ready by October-end. Another 100 km, including Yellow (RV Road-Bommasandra) and Pink (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara) and Blue (Central Silk Board - KR Pura - Kempegowda International Airport) will be completed within two years".

Also, read: Union govt likely to approve two Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 corridors

Sources said that the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had imposed additional conditions for the approval of the Phase 3 corridors.  BMRCL has accepted MoHUA's condition to run three-coach trains instead of the six-coach rolling stock as originally planned for Magadi Road.  However, ORR West Metro will have six-car metro coaches from the beginning.  All stations will be designed to accommodate six-car trains.

Union government approval for the network expansion along ORR West and Magadi Road is expected to enhance the public transport system and boost the real estate sector on the outskirts. However, some transport experts recommend extending the ORR West corridor from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Central Silk Board/Jayadeva for seamless integration, forming a circular Metro line.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro to operate three-car trains on proposed Magadi Road corridor.

BMRCL officials told Moneycontrol that they have awarded contracts for geotechnical investigations for these two Phase 3 corridors. "We will soon issue a preliminary notification for the land acquisition. However, we need to hold discussions with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on the double-decker flyovers planned along these corridors."

Officials said that the contract was awarded to Aarvee Associates on June 29 for Rs 78.7 lakh to prepare the feasibility study report for the construction of double-decker flyovers along three Metro corridors in the city. These corridors include JP Nagar 4th Phase - Hebbal (29 km), Hosahalli - Kadabagere (11.45 km), Sarjapur - Ibbalur (ORR Junction, 14 km), and Agara - Koramangala 3rd Block (2.4 km), which is part of the Sarjapur-Hebbal corridor (37 km).

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro's extension to outskirts, double-decker flyovers; contracts awarded for feasibility studies

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah welcomed it."State government will ensure this transformative project is completed on time, enhancing the quality of life for all our citizens" he said. Union minister of Steel & Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy wrote on X: "This is a Varamahalakshmi festival gift to the citizens of Bengaluru. I thank Shri Narendra Modi avaru for his keen interest in the development of Karnataka".

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya said: "The approval marks a significant milestone in Bengaluru's efforts to expand its Metro network. The newly approved Metro Phase 3 will extend from Vega City Junction in JP Nagar to Kadabagere on Magadi Road, covering a distance of 44.65 km. A significant portion of this line will pass through the Bengaluru South Constituency, providing an efficient and economical mass rapid transit system for a large commuter base, including employees, students, and the general public."

Also, read: At 6 km/year, Namma Metro on super slo-mo track

"Phase 3 expands Bengaluru’s Metro Rail Network with 44.65 km of new lines, connecting key areas such as Peenya, Bannerghatta Road, Tumakuru Road, and major educational institutions. This expansion will also improve connectivity to the city’s southern parts, Outer Ring Road West, and Magadi Road, easing traffic congestion and enhancing access to commercial, industrial, and educational hubs" a statement from PIB said.

"The project includes multi-modal integration at 10 locations, linking with existing and future metro stations, BMTC bus stands, railway stations, and proposed suburban stations. All Phase 3 stations will have dedicated bus bays, pedestrian paths, and bike-sharing facilities, with feeder buses and parking at 11 key stations. Integration with Phase 1 and 2 stations will offer direct connections through foot overbridges and skywalks. It will also offer direct connectivity to two railway stations: Lottegollahalli  and Hebbal", it adds.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro touches 9 lakh daily ridership mark

The ORR West Metro corridor will have 22 stations: JP Nagar 4th Phase, JP Nagar 5th Phase, JP Nagar, Kadirenahalli, Kamakhya Junction, Hosakerehalli, Dwaraka Nagar, Mysuru Road, Nagarbhavi Circle, Vinayaka Layout, Papireddypalya, BDA Complex Nagarbhavi, Sumanahalli Cross, Chowdeshwari Nagar, Freedom Fighter’s Colony, Kanteerava Nagar, Peenya, Muthyala Nagar, BEL Circle, Nagashettyhalli, Hebbal Railway Station, and Kempapura.

The Magadi Road Metro section will have nine stations: Hosahalli, KHB Colony, Kamakshipalya, Sumanahalli Cross, Sunkadakatte, Herohalli, Byadarahalli, Kamath Layout, and Kadabagere.

The estimated ridership for the ORR West and Magadi Road corridors is estimated to be 4.6 lakh and 1.7 lakh, respectively. A shared depot for both corridors is planned at Sunkadakatte. Funding for the project will follow the SPV (JV) model, with 20% contributed by the Karnataka government, 20% by the Government of India, and 60% through external sources. The financing strategy also includes value capture financing and innovative methods involving private sector participation.