Karnataka Govt plans to expand Bangalore Metro to Bengaluru Suburbs

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, also Bengaluru's development minister, recently approached Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking funds for transformative infrastructure projects in Bengaluru. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has put forth a comprehensive proposal for a feasibility study, envisioning a substantial expansion of the Namma Metro network by an impressive 129 km, colloquially referred to as Phase 4.

The proposed expansion is designed to address the connectivity gaps in Bengaluru, particularly in the suburbs and far-flung areas where existing metro coverage is lacking. The plan diverges from the approved Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), which is a government-sanctioned framework for urban mobility. BMRCL's proposal encompasses a new line and extensions to the Purple and Green lines in four directions: Bidadi (Mysuru Road), Harohalli (Kanakapura Road), Attibele (Hosur Road), and Kunigal Cross (Tumakuru Road, near Nelamangala).

The envisaged new line will assume a semicircular route, connecting crucial areas such as Jigani, Anekal, Attibele, Sarjapur, and Varthur, primarily in the east and south of the city. Intriguingly, these proposed lines fall outside the scope of the CMP, a document prepared by BMRCL in 2020 to secure approvals for Phases 2A and 2B. Moreover, a notable deviation is that most of these lines extend beyond the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits, indicating growth in fragmented areas.

Acknowledging this shift, a senior official disclosed that BMRCL has sought state government funding to conduct a thorough feasibility study. The study aims to assess the necessity of the proposed lines by analyzing traffic projections and evaluating financial viability. The official acknowledged that the lines proposed in the CMP should have been prioritized.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, emphasizing the importance of metro rail as a mass rapid public transport system for Bengaluru, sought support from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for approvals from the government of India. In his letter, he highlighted the city's rapid growth in all directions and identified the five corridors, covering 129 km, as essential extensions to meet the increasing demand for public transport.

Contrarily, the CMP, an extensive document targeting infrastructure deficiencies in Bengaluru, had suggested three new metro lines post the completion of Phases 3A and 3B. These included Domlur to Whitefield, Katamnallur Gate (Old Madras Road) to Sarjapur Road, and an inner ring metro. The proposed 129 km corridor, being outside the CMP, raises concerns about potential rejection by the central government.

As Bengaluru contemplates the potential expansion of its metro network, the decision lies at the intersection of urban development, cost considerations, and the evolving needs of its growing population.

The ambitious proposal by BMRCL to extend Namma Metro by 129 km underscores the city's commitment to enhancing public transportation. However, the deviation from the CMP and concerns raised by experts highlight the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the project's feasibility and alignment with the city's long-term goals. As Bengaluru envisions a more connected future, finding the optimal balance between affordability, efficiency, and sustainable growth will be crucial in shaping the next phase of its metro development.