Govt of India cabinet approves ₹15,611 crore Bangalore Metro Phase 3 Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major boost for Bengaluru’s public transport infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has approved the much-anticipated Phase 3 of the Bangalore Metro Rail project. This phase will introduce two new metro lines and 31 additional stations, significantly expanding the city’s metro network. Estimated to cost ₹15,611 crore, Phase 3 is scheduled for completion by 2029.

The newly approved Phase 3, also known as the Orange Line, will stretch 44.65 km, connecting southern and western Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport through Hebbal. The project features two primary lines:

• Western Line: A 32.15 km corridor from JP Nagar 5th Phase to Kempapura (Hebbal), featuring 22 stations along the Outer Ring Road (ORR).
• Shorter Line: A 12.5 km route from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road, with nine stations.

The Orange Line will complement the existing Blue Line (Silk Board Junction-KR Pura-KIA), which covers the eastern part of the ORR. The integration of the Orange and Blue lines at Hebbal will enhance connectivity across the city.

Project Progress and Funding

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has already initiated pre-construction activities, including land acquisition, utility relocation, tree enumeration, and geotechnical investigations. According to BMRCL Managing Director M. Maheshwar Rao, pre-construction activities are halfway complete. Civil work tenders are anticipated by the end of this year, with construction possibly beginning by late 2025.

The total cost of the Orange Line is projected at ₹15,611 crore, with approximately ₹7,577 crore expected to be funded by an external agency, likely the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). "JICA has informally agreed to provide the loan as per the funding plan approved by the Indian government. We anticipate finalizing this within the next five to ten months," stated a senior BMRCL official.

Impact on Bengaluru’s Transit System

Once completed, the Orange Line will bring the total operational length of the Bangalore Metro to 222.2 km, with current lines covering 73.81 km and additional construction underway for 101.74 km, including extensions and new lines. The expanded network will enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and serve over eight lakh passengers daily.

The BMRCL has also prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 3A (Red Line), a 36.59 km expansion projected for completion by 2031. This will further extend Bengaluru’s metro network to 258.79 km. The Red Line DPR has been submitted to the state government for approval.

Land acquisition is underway, with 777 private properties identified for the segment between JP Nagar 4th Phase and Kempapura. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited plans to issue land acquisition notifications through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) soon.

Multi-Modal Integration

Phase 3 will facilitate multi-modal integration at ten key locations, including JP Nagar 4th Phase, Kamakhya Bus Depot, and Hebbal. Stations will feature dedicated bus bays, pickup and drop-off areas, pedestrian paths, autorickshaw stands, and cycle-sharing facilities. Feeder buses operated by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will provide enhanced connectivity to metro stations.

The approval of Bangalore Metro Phase 3 marks a significant advancement in the city’s public transportation infrastructure. With the integration of new lines and extensive planning for multi-modal connections, the Orange Line is set to transform the urban transit landscape, providing a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation solution for Bengaluru’s growing population.