JICA signs ₹6,100 Crore Loan Agreement for Bangalore Metro Phase 3 Orange Line

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreement worth ₹6,100 crore with the Government of India to support the development of Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase 3 (I), commonly referred to as the Orange Line. The funding will help accelerate the expansion of Bengaluru’s metro network as the city continues to strengthen its urban mobility infrastructure.

According to JICA, Phase 3 (I) involves the construction of approximately 44.65 kilometres of metro corridors with 31 elevated stations. The new lines will cover the Outer Ring Road corridor (Corridor 3-1) and the western growth corridor (Corridor 3-2), two of the city’s rapidly developing urban zones.

Once operational, these corridors will integrate with the Airport Line and Line 6, enabling the creation of a circular metro network around Bengaluru. This integration is expected to significantly enhance connectivity to the Kempegowda International Airport and improve travel efficiency across the metropolitan region.

Long-Term Financing for Major Metro Expansion

The loan agreement includes a repayment period of 30 years, with a 10-year grace period, providing long-term financial support for the implementation of the project. The expansion is currently targeted for completion by January 2032.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director Ravishankar stated that the total loan assistance from JICA amounts to ₹6,775 crore, which will be released in phases. The initial tranche of ₹6,100 crore is expected to be disbursed shortly, with the remaining amount to follow later.

Officials indicated that once the funds are released, a significant portion will be utilized for land acquisition activities and initial civil works, which are essential for advancing construction along the proposed corridors.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “International financing partnerships have played a crucial role in enabling large-scale metro expansion projects in India. Funding support from institutions like JICA not only strengthens project viability but also accelerates the development of sustainable urban transport infrastructure in rapidly growing cities like Bengaluru.”

Tendering and Project Implementation

Preparatory activities for the project are expected to begin soon. Invitations for consultancy services are likely to be issued in April 2026, while tenders for initial civil construction works, including viaduct development, are expected to be floated in May 2026.

The new metro corridors are also expected to support transit-oriented development (TOD) across key urban nodes. Authorities plan to integrate the metro system with multimodal transport solutions such as feeder bus services, shared mobility options, and improved last-mile connectivity, creating a more seamless public transport ecosystem.

Strengthening Bengaluru’s Urban Mobility Network

Bengaluru’s metro network, operated by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), has been expanding steadily with multiple phases of development aimed at addressing the city’s growing traffic congestion and mobility demands.

The addition of the Orange Line under Phase 3 will further strengthen the city’s orbital connectivity, enabling smoother travel between major residential, commercial, and technology hubs.

With the JICA loan agreement now in place, the Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 (I) project is expected to move into the next stage of planning and execution, reinforcing the city’s long-term vision of building a comprehensive, high-capacity urban transit network.