Karnataka announces 41-km Expansion of Bangalore Metro Rail Network in State Budget

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a major expansion of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro network in the Karnataka Budget 2026–27, with plans to add 41 kilometres of new metro lines to strengthen urban mobility in the rapidly growing city.

The proposed expansion forms part of the state government’s broader infrastructure development strategy aimed at improving public transport connectivity and reducing traffic congestion across Bengaluru.

According to the budget announcement, the 41-kilometre metro expansion is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across key urban corridors and benefit an estimated 15 lakh passengers daily once operational.

To accelerate the development of the city’s metro network, the Karnataka government has allocated over ₹2,000 crore toward the implementation of Namma Metro Phase 2 and Phase 3 projects.

Authorities aim to complete the metro corridors currently under construction at the earliest and make them operational for public use in the coming years. The expansion is expected to strengthen Bengaluru’s public transport ecosystem while providing commuters with a reliable alternative to road travel.

The metro expansion plans also align with the Union Budget 2026, which has allocated ₹28,740 crore for metro rail projects across India. The central allocation is expected to support ongoing metro developments in major cities, including Bengaluru.

Namma Metro has already emerged as one of India’s most important urban transit systems, providing fast, safe, and efficient transportation for millions of commuters navigating the city’s heavy traffic congestion.

With the continued expansion of metro infrastructure, authorities aim to further reduce travel times, improve accessibility, and support sustainable urban growth in Bengaluru.

Commenting on the announcement, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said the expansion reflects the growing importance of metro rail systems in addressing mobility challenges in India’s technology hubs.

“Bengaluru’s continued investment in metro infrastructure highlights the crucial role of high-capacity urban transit systems in supporting rapidly expanding cities. Expanding the Namma Metro network will not only ease congestion but also improve connectivity between residential areas, employment hubs, and commercial districts,” she said.

She added that sustained investment in metro projects will help cities like Bengaluru transition toward more sustainable and efficient urban mobility systems.