Bengaluru Metro to conduct feasibility study for double-decker flyovers on three corridors; invites tender

Double-decker flyover in Nagpur

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on March 14 floated a tender for the preparation of a feasibility study report for the construction of double-decker flyovers along three Metro corridors in the city.

These corridors are: JP Nagar 4th Phase - Hebbal (29 km), Hosahalli - Kadabagere (11.45 km), and Sarjapur - Ibbalur (ORR Junction 14 km) and Agara-Koramangala 3rd Block (2.4 km), which is part of Sarjapur-Hebbal corridor (37Km).

However, two of the Metro's Phase 3 corridors, JP Nagar 4th Phase-Kempapura stretch along ORR West and Hosahalli-Kadabagere line along Magadi Road, have been pending before the Union government since November 2022.

Separately, BMRCL is scrutinising the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a Metro line from Sarjapur to Agara, Koramangala, Dairy Circle, and connecting to Hebbal via Mekhri Circle under Namma Metro Phase-3A. However, the state government is yet to approve it.

Also, read: Bengaluru traffic: Karnataka deputy CM proposes road-cum-metro rail flyovers to reduce congestion

Deputy CM of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, has recently proposed double-decker flyovers, designed to accommodate vehicles on the lower deck and the Metro on the upper deck, aiming to reduce congestion in the city.

There are also concerns about potential delays and increased costs for the Metro due to the proposed double-decker flyovers. In fact, primary aim of a high-cost project like a mass rail transit system is to ensure faster travel compared to road traffic. However, experts say constructing double-decker flyovers might even affect the Metro rail's ridership.

Shivakumar directed the authorities to construct two levels where pillars are yet to be erected, with one level designated for the road and the other for the Metro.

He said Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and BMRCL will collaborate on this initiative. "BBMP will bear the cost of the road flyover, while BMRCL will manage the Metro costs. This is likely to help resolve the traffic crisis in Bengaluru. Having observed similar projects in Nagpur, we plan to implement Metro plus road lines in the future Metro lines.” said Shivakumar.

Pruthvin Reddy, a rail enthusiast, said, "A double-decker metro is needed on Sarjapur Road. However, constructing end-to-end flyovers won't serve the intended purpose. Instead, it will escalate project costs and discourage Metro usage, affecting Metro's Return on Investment/Internal Rate of Return. Short-grade separators at crucial junctions where Passenger Car Units (PCUs) are high, such as Ittamadu, Kamakhya, Kanakapura Road, Haralur, Kaikondrahalli, Doddakannalli, and Dommasandra, would suffice," he suggested.

Asked whether three Metro corridors would feature an end-to-end double-decker structure, Maheshwar Rao M, BMRCL Managing Director, told Moneycontrol that the feasibility report will reveal wherever double-decker flyovers are necessary. On the costs, he said: "BMRCL will bear the project costs as approved in the DPR" he said.

Currently, Bengaluru's first double-decker flyover, spanning 3.35 km between Ragigudda and Central Silk Board on Marenahalli Road, is under construction and expected to be completed in a few months. This flyover, designed for vehicle use on the lower deck and the Metro on the upper deck, is part of the Metro's fully elevated RV Road-Bommasandra Yellow Line corridor (18.8 km) under Phase 2 of the project.

Also, read: Bengaluru: BMRCL to prepare feasibility report for 118 km extension to outskirts, floats tender