Namma Metro.
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: In a significant development, Namma Metro has cleared the 40.65-km double-decker corridor along its Phase 3 project, which will necessitate a major tweak to its original plan that involved just building the Metro line.
The Board of Directors of Bangalore Metro Rail Corridor Ltd (BMRCL) — who met earlier this week — approved the revised proposal of combining elevated road and Metro viaduct at different levels on the request of state government. At the time of approval, the board also insisted that the additional project cost of Rs 8,916 crore be borne by the Karnataka government.
Phase 3 project consists of two lines: JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura (32.15 km) and Hosahalli to Kadabagere (12.50 km). This will be a second such project for the Namma Metro, which has the experience of constructing a three-km multi-deck corridor between Central Silk Board and Ragigudda.
The project aims to maximize space utilisation and ease Bengaluru’s growing traffic congestion. Critics have however expressed their opposition to the plan, stating that the government is investing on conflicting infrastructure works on the same stretch.
According to officials, of the Rs 8,916 crore estimated, Rs 6,368 will be spent towards civil works, design etc., while Rs 2,548 crore is needed for land acquisition.
In its state budget of 2025-26, the Karnataka government had promised funding for the double-decker project, stating that it is needed to address Bengaluru’s traffic congestion.
“We have received internal approval for the double-decker project,” a senior BMRCL official confirmed to DH. “Once the design consultants submit their plans — expected within the next two months — we will float tenders for the civil work. In the meantime, we hope to achieve financial closure with JICA offering to fund the project.”
Meanwhile, Namma Metro is also expecting an approval from the state cabinet for the double-decker project which will be funded by the government. “The subject will be tabled in a two weeks time,” a source in the government told DH.