The Union Finance Ministry has recently approved Bengaluru Metro’s Rs 15,611 crore Phase-3 project, which now awaits the final nod from the cabinet.
Phase-3 of the metro project will span 44.65 km with two elevated corridors and a total of 31 metro stations.
The first corridor, extending over 32.15 km along the western side of the Outer Ring Road, connecting J P Nagar’s fourth phase to Kempapura, will include 22 stations and will also connect to the Airport Line.
The second corridor, covering a distance of 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabgere on Magadi Road, will feature nine stations.
Meanwhile, the state government has authorised the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to initiate the tendering process for the 44.65-km project. However, progress is being delayed by a new state proposal to incorporate double-decker flyovers into all upcoming Metro projects.
A senior BMRCL official stated, “Following the Public Investment Board’s earlier approval, the Finance Ministry has recently given its consent. Last week, the Centre’s Urban Development Department presented a detailed overview of Phase-3 to the Prime Minister’s Office to expedite Cabinet clearance,” reports The New Indian Express.
The state government approved the revised project cost (reduced from Rs 16,328 crore) on 14 March this year, setting a 2028 deadline.
The Phase-3 project has a 5.5-year deadline from the date of sanction. Phase-3 is expected to carry an average of 9.12 lakh passengers daily by 2051.
Currently, the city metro stands as India’s second longest operational metro network, spanning 73.81 kilometres, following the Delhi Metro.
Two operational corridors serve the city. The East-West Corridor stretches 43.49 kilometres, running from Whitefield Station in the east to Challagatta Terminal in the west.
The North-South Corridor covers 30.32 kilometres, with Nagasandra Station marking its northernmost point and Silk Institute Station situated at its southern end.