Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the positive impact of the Metro Rail services during the virtual inauguration of two stretches of the east-west corridor of the Bangalore Metro. He emphasized that these newly opened sections, including Baiyappanahalli to Krishnarajapura and Kengeri to Challaghatta on the Bengaluru Metro Purple Line, would enhance connectivity and provide significant benefits to millions of daily commuters.
These segments, although opened to the public without a formal inauguration on October 9, have bolstered the operational length of the ‘Namma Metro’ to 74 kilometers, spanning 66 stations and serving over 7.5 million riders each day. Namma Metro, established 12 years ago, is now the second-largest metro network in India.
The extended Purple Line, connecting Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Challaghatta, now stretches over 43.49 kilometers and features 37 stations. Prime Minister Modi hinted at the possibility of launching a Metro Rail project in Mysuru, reflecting the widespread expansion of metro services in both Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
During the event, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah outlined the state’s commitment to a comprehensive Metro Rail network, with approval granted for a 317-kilometer network by 2031. This extensive project, as part of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), includes a 217-kilometer route currently in the operational, construction, or planning stages.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah acknowledged the rapid growth of Bengaluru as a city, highlighting traffic congestion as a significant challenge. In response, the expansion of Metro Rail services is deemed essential.
Siddaramaiah further explained that Phase-2 of the Bangalore Metro Rail project, covering a length of 75.06 kilometers, is underway, with at least 32 kilometers completed and commissioned, including the two stretches inaugurated during the event.
Expansion of Metro services in various directions, such as from Nagasandra to Madawara and from RV Road to Bommasandra, is nearing completion, with the goal of public dedication by April 2024. Additionally, a new Metro line from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, spanning 21.26 kilometers, will be finalized by March 2025, extending the Metro network to 117 kilometers and benefiting 1.2 million people.
To accommodate this growth, the Karnataka government has already allocated $1.4 billion for the Metro project. Additionally, the ORR-Airport Metro Rail Line (2A and 2B) spanning 58 kilometers is under construction, with a total cost of $1.7 billion. This line is expected to be operational by 2026, increasing the Metro Rail network’s length to 176 kilometers and serving approximately 2 million daily commuters.
Anticipating the rising demand for Metro services, the Karnataka government has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the third phase of the Bengaluru Metro Rail project, spanning 45 kilometers and projected to cost approximately $1.9 billion. They have requested Prime Minister Modi’s prompt approval.
Additionally, a Metro Rail project from Sarjapur to Hebbal, covering 37 kilometers, is being prepared as part of Phase-3 DPR.
