More than a year after receiving approval from the Karnataka government, two corridors of Bengaluru Metro's Phase 3 are likely to get the Union government's nod.
This approval is likely to happen before the Lok Sabha polls, a move that experts say will also benefit the BJP in terms of electoral gains in the IT hub.
In November 2022, the Karnataka government okayed Namma Metro’s (as the mass rapid transit system is called) 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). The sanction has been pending before the Union government since November 2022.
BMRCL sources told Moneycontrol that approval for these two corridors is expected soon. "The MCC (election model code of conduct) for Lok Sabha polls is expected to come into effect by the first or second week of March 2024. So, we expect approval before the MCC kicks in," said a BMRCL official.
The approval for the network expansion along ORR (Outer Ring Road) 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 for seamless multi-modal transport integration.
"The approval for the two Phase 3 corridors is in an advanced stage. We’ve already addressed the queries raised by the Union ministries and departments. We are hopeful that the approval from the CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) will come soon." BMRCL chief public relations officer BL Yashavanth Chavan told Moneycontrol.
Also, read: Bengaluru Metro to operate three-car trains on proposed Magadi Road corridor
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.
On February 9, the 65th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) discussed two urban transit metro corridor projects—Bengaluru Metro's Phase 3 corridors and Delhi Metro's Rithala-Bawana-Narela–Kundli (Haryana) Metro corridor.
"Both the projects will result in multi-modal integration of metro with bus and rail stations, decongestion of roads, travel time savings, fuel cost savings, reliable operation and performance, and reduction in vehicular emission and pollution," a statement from the Press Information Bureau said.
"It was emphasised during the meeting that these projects will play a pivotal role in nation-building by integrating various modes of transport, offering substantial socio-economic benefits, and contributing to the overall development of the regions," it added.
Status of other corridors
Regarding other corridors, Chavan said the DPR for the 37 km Sarjapur-Hebbal corridor is under scrutiny and will soon be submitted to the state government for approval.
In his address to the joint session of both houses of the state legislature on February 12, Karnataka Governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot said, "Work on Bengaluru metro rail project Phase 2A—from Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapura(19.75 km) and Phase-2B—Krishnarajapura to Kempegowda International Airport—is in progress and is expected to be completed by June 2026."
He added, "19.15 km Yellow Line (RV Road - Bommasandra), out of which 3.3 km would be constructed in a double-decker model. At present, 98% progress has been achieved, and the stretch is scheduled for commissioning by July 2024."
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