ADB approves $500 million loan for two metro rail lines in Bengaluru

Project will construct two new metro lines, mostly elevated, with a total length of 56 km along Outer Ring Road and NH 44 between Central Silk Board and KIA

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500-million loan to construct two new metro rail lines in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru has attracted people from other areas seeking employment and its population is estimated to reach over 16 million by 2030. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Project will establish two new metro rail corridors to augment an efficient and safe transportation system.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Project will establish two new rail corridors.

"This will enhance the economy, improve urban environment and make the city more livable. The project supports the urban transformation of Bengaluru through a multidimensional approach," said ADB senior transport specialist for South Asia Kaoru Kasahara.

"The new metro lines will ease daily travel of commuters and decongest traffic across the city, contributing to overall productivity," he said in a statement.

"The project will provide efficient, punctual and safe transportation in the city and promote a clean urban environment."

The project will construct two new metro lines, mostly elevated, with a total length of 56 km along the outer ring road and National Highway 44 between Central Silk Board and Kempegowda International Airport.

It will also establish 30 metro stations, which will include multimodal facilities such as bus bays, taxi stand, motorcycle pools and pedestrian walkways and bridges. The needs of vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, children and differently-abled persons will be integrated into the design of the facilities.

An additional $2 million technical assistance grant from ADB will help the state government formulate urban development plans and their implementing frameworks, focusing on transit-oriented development and multimodal integration.