Introduction
Bangalore, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” serves as the capital and largest city of Karnataka, a southern state in India. The city has emerged as a centre for information technology (IT) and is consistently recognised among the world’s fastest-growing technology hubs. Moreover, it stands as the largest hub and exporter of IT services in the country.
The manufacturing sector also plays a crucial role in the local economy, with several state-owned manufacturing enterprises located within the city. In addition, Bangalore is home to multiple institutes of national importance. Situated near the centre of the Deccan Plateau at an elevation of 900 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, Bengaluru is renowned as India’s “Garden City” due to its numerous parks and greenery.
According to the 2011 census, Bangalore had a population of approximately 8.4 million, which makes it the third most populous city in India and the most populous in South India. The metropolitan area of Bangalore reached a population of around 8.5 million, positioning it as the fifth most populous urban agglomeration in the country. As one of the fastest-growing metropolises in India, the Bangalore metropolitan area boasted an estimated GDP of $359.9 billion in 2023, ranking it among the most productive metropolitan regions in the nation.
The Necessity of a Metro System in Bangalore
Bangalore has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past few decades. The city started experiencing a surge in population and urban expansion. This rapid development led to some major challenges in the city that started to put strain on the city’s infrastructure, particularly the transport infrastructure. Some of the prominent challenges that cities faced are mentioned below:
- Rapid Urbanisation: Bengaluru has undergone consistent urban growth since 1950, with its population increasing from 745,999 to an estimated 13.6 million in 2023. The city surpassed 10 million residents in 2013 and is projected to reach approximately 14.4 million by 2025, based on an annual growth rate of 2.76%. This represents an overall population increase of nearly 18 times over the 75-year period. The estimated population for 2025 is 14,395,400, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 387,100. The lack of efficient urban planning is putting immense pressure on its infrastructure, which has not been able to keep pace with urbanisation.
- Dependence on Personal Vehicles: As of March 31, 2025, Bengaluru’s total vehicle population stood at approximately 12.3 million (1.23 crore).
| Metric | Figure |
| Total Vehicles (Apr 2025) | 1.23 crore |
| Year-on-Year Growth Rate | 6.50% |
| New Registrations (2024–25) | 7.22 lakh (722,000) |
The Bangalore Metro project is designed in a way that it will traverse through the most populated areas of the city. This will attract the commuters to use metro services instead of personal vehicles.
- Traffic Congestion in Bengaluru: The Dutch location technology firm, TomTom, conducts an annual assessment of traffic conditions in major cities worldwide, and this year’s report has positioned Bengaluru among the cities with the worst traffic flow. Furthermore, in 2023, Bengaluru was identified as the most congested city in India and ranked sixth globally in terms of traffic congestion.
Evolution of the Metro Concept in Bangalore
1977: Initial Proposal
The State Town Planning Department first recommended exploring a mass rapid transit system to address Bengaluru’s growing traffic and urban mobility challenges.
1981: Feasibility Study Initiated
A high-level committee acknowledged the need for a metro study and subsequently commissioned a team from Southern Railway (SR) to conduct the necessary research. The team proposed a two-corridor metro system, extending for a total of 80 km, in addition to commuter rail lines and a ring railway.
1994: Formation of BMRTP Ltd
The government established Bengaluru Mass Rapid Transit Ltd (BMRCL) to pursue a public-private partnership for the metro project.
2003: Detailed Project Study by DMRC
The Government of Karnataka engaged the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to undertake a comprehensive preparation study for the metro system in Bangalore.
2006: Establishment of BMRCL
Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) was established to oversee the construction and operation of the metro system.
Bangalore Metro: Powering Bengaluru’s Urban Evolution
Overview
Bengaluru Metro, also referred to as Namma Metro, is India’s second-largest operational metro network, covering approximately 75.2 km. In June 2017, Phase 1 of the Bangalore Metro, which spans 42.3 km, became fully operational. Phase 2 will add 73.9 km to the network and is currently under construction.
Phase 2 was initially planned to extend the existing metro lines and introduce 2 new corridors. Subsequently, the ORR-East Line was incorporated into the project as Phase 2A. Following this, the Airport Line was introduced as an extension of the ORR-East Line and designated as Phase 2B, which has since been renamed the Blue Line.
In August 2024, Phase 3 of Namma Metro received approval for construction, which will include two elevated routes totalling 44.65 km, primarily serving the western regions of Bengaluru. Furthermore, Phase 3A of the Bengaluru Metro is currently in the proposal stage and comprises a new metro corridor that extends 36.59 km in length.
Key Specifications
Speed and Track | Top Speed: 80 kmph |
| Average Speed: 34 kmph | |
| Track Gauge: Standard Gauge – 1435 mm | |
| Safety and Electrification | Electrification: 750 V DC Third Rail |
| Signalling: | Phase 1: Urbalis 200 Automatic Train Control (ATC). Phase 2, 2A, 2B: Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). |
| Rolling Stock | Phase 1: BEML– Hyundai Rotem-150 coaches.Phase 2: BEML Limited – 318 coaches Pink Line: 96 Coaches (16 x 6)Phase 2A: 96 Coaches (16 x 6)Phase 2B: 126 Coaches (21 x 6)Phase 2 (Yellow Line & Purple Line): 204 Coaches (Titagarh Rail Systems), 12 Coaches (CRRC). (126 Coaches for Purple Line & 90 Coaches for Yellow Line. |
| Daily Ridership | 8 to 9 Lakhs/Day |
Phase 1 of Bangalore Metro
Overview
Phase 1 of the Bangalore Metro includes two operational metro corridors spanning over a total distance of 42.30 km ( 26.28 miles). Out of 42.30 km, approximately 33.48 kilometres (20.80 miles) is elevated while the remaining 8.82 kilometres (5.48 miles) of the route is underground.
- Line-1 – Purple Line: Challaghatta – Whitefield (Kadugodi)
- Line-2 – Green Line: Madavara – Silk Institute
On 24 June 2006, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the construction of Bangalore Metro Phase 1.
Phase 1 Route Details
Line-1 – Purple line: Baiyyappanahalli – Mysore Road
- Length: 18.10 km
- Depot: Baiyappanahalli
- Status: Operational
- Number of Stations: 17
- Station Names: Mysore Road, Deepanjali Nagar, Attiguppe, Vijayanagar, Hosahalli, Magadi Road, City Railway Station, Majestic, Sir M Vesveshwaraya, Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, MG Road, Trinity, Halasuru, Indiranagar, Swami Vivekananda Road and Baiyappanahalli.
Line-2 – Green line: Nagasandra – Yelachenahalli
- Length: 24.20 km
- Depot: Peenya
- Status: Operational
- Number of Stations: 24
- Station Names: Nagasandra, Dasarahalli, Jalahalli, Peenya Industry, Peenya, Goraguntepalya, Yeshwanthpur, Sandal Soap Factory, Mahalaxmi, Rajajinagar, Kuvempu Road, Srirampura, Sampige Road, Majestic, Chickpet, KR Market, National College, Lalbagh, Southend Circle, Jayanagar, Yelachenahalli.
Phase 1 Timeline
| Line | Section | Distance | Date |
| Purple Line | Baiyyappanahalli – MG Road | 6.7 km | 20 Oct 2011 |
| Green Line | Sampige Road – Peenya Industry | 9.9 km | 01 Mar 2014 |
| Green Line | Peenya Industry – Nagasandra | 2.5 km | 01 May 2015 |
| Purple Line | Mysore Road – Magadi Road | 6.4 km | 16 Nov 2015 |
| Purple Line | MG Road – Magadi Road | 4.8 km | 29 Apr 2016 |
| Green Line | Sampige Road – Yelachenahalli | 12 km | 19 June 2017 |
Phase 2 of Bangalore Metro
Overview
The Phase 2 of Bangalore Metro spanning 73.921 km involves extending both Phase 1 lines in each direction, in addition to the construction of two entirely new lines.
| New Corridors | Line-3 – Yellow Line: : RV Road – Bommasandra |
| Line-4 – Pink Line: Kalena Agaraha – Nagawara | |
| Extension of the Green Line | Yelachenahalli (Puttenahalli) – Silk Institute (Anjanapura) |
| Nagasandra – Madavara | |
| Extension of the Purple Line | Mysore Road – Challaghatta |
| Baiyyappanahalli – Whitefield |
In 2011, the Karnataka state government approved Phase 2 of the Bangalore Metro, while the India Central Government approved Phase 2 in 2014.
Bangalore Metro Phase 2 – Funding Overview
The total estimated cost of the Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project stands at ₹40,425 crore. The project is being funded by the Central and State Governments, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), and through external financial assistance from international funding agencies.
Cost Escalation
The initial estimated cost of the Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project was Rs 26,405 crore. However, due to a variety of factors, including project execution delays and a significant increase in land acquisition costs, the total projected cost has escalated by approximately Rs 14,000 crore.
Revised Project Cost
The revised total estimated cost of Bangalore Metro Phase 2 now stands at Rs 40,425 crore. The Karnataka State Cabinet has approved this revised cost and has decided to submit a proposal to the Central Government seeking approval for the revised budget.
Funding Mechanism
To meet the revised financial requirements, A total senior debt of Rs 12,141.14 crore has been secured from multiple agencies, like Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), European Investment Bank (EIB), and KfW Germany, marking the 100% financial closure of external funding planned for Bangalore Metro Phase 2.
| Agency | Amount (Approx) | Year |
| JICA | Rs. 3717 Crores | March 2021 |
| EIB | Rs. 3650 Crores | July 2017 |
| AIIB | Rs. 2300 Crores | June 2019 |
| AFD | Rs. 1500 Crores | September 2015 |
| KfW Germany | Rs 3,044.54 Crore | December 2024 |
Financial Aid from REC Limited
- In June 2023, REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Union Ministry of Power, extended financial assistance of Rs. 3,045 crores to BMRCL for Bangalore Metro Phase 2.
Financial Support from the Government
- The Government of India (GoI) has contributed ₹5,281 crore towards the project, while the Government of Karnataka (GoK) has provided ₹8,983 crore, which includes a grant of ₹1,689.90 crore.
- Additionally, to address a net cost increase of ₹14,019 crore, the Union Cabinet has approved further financial assistance of ₹9,729 crore. This additional funding will be jointly borne by the Central Government, the State Government, and the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Phase 2 Route Details
- New Corridors in Phase 2
Line-3 – Yellow Line: RV Road – Bommasandra
- Length: 19.143 km
- Type: Elevated
- Status: Under construction
- Depot: Hebbagodi Depot (39.3 acres)
- Number of Stations: 16
- Station Names: Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road (RV Road), Ragigudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, Central Silkboard, Bommanahalli (formerly HSR Layout), Hongasandra (formerly Oxford College), Kudlu Gate (formerly Muneshwara Nagar), Singasandra (formerly Chikkabegur), Hosa Road (formerly Basapura Road), Beratena Agrahara (formerly Hosa Road), Electronic City, Infosys Foundation Konappana Agrahara (formerly Electronic City – II), Huskur Road, Hebbagodi and Bommasandra
| Delivery of Rolling Stock for Yellow Line Recently, Titagarh Rail Systems delivered 3rd train set for the Yellow Line under the rolling stock contract 4RS-DM. Titagarh delivered the first train set in January 2025. According to TRSL Deputy Managing Director Prithish Chowdhary, the 4th trainset is scheduled for delivery by July, with two additional trains to be supplied each month thereafter, starting in August.  |
Line-4 – Pink Line: Kalena Agaraha – Nagawara
- Length: 21.386 km
- Type: Elevated (7.501 km) and Underground (13.885 km)
- Status: Under Construction
- Depot: Kothanur Depot (31.5 acres)
- Number of Stations: 18
- Station Names: Kalena Agrahara (formerly Gottigere), Hulimavu, IIM-Bengaluru, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva Hospital, Tavarekere Dairy Circle, Lakkasandra (formerly Mico Industries), Langford Town, Rashtriya Military School (formerly Vellara Road), MG Road, Shivaji Nagar, Cantonment, Pottery Town, Tannery Road, Venkateshpura, Kadugundanahalli (formerly Arabic College) and Nagawara.
| Recent Development on the Pink Line 1. Rolling Stock In April 2025, BMRCL awarded BEML an additional rolling stock contract valued at over ₹405 crore. This contract includes the supply of seven additional metro trains, comprising a total of 42 cars, for the Pink Line. This Additional contract is part of contract 5 RS-DM. BEML bagged 5 RS-DM contracts in August 2023 at Rs. 3,177 Crores. 2. Third Rail Testing In June 2025, BMRCL initiated third rail testing, a critical electrification trial that energises locomotives on the elevated segment of the Pink Line connecting Jayadeva and Tavarekere metro stations. |
Extension of the Purple Line in Phase 2
Purple Line: Mysore Road – Challaghatta
- Length: 8.814 km
- Type: Elevated
- New Depot: Challaghatta Depot (38.9 acres, serving the entire line)
- Number of Stations: 7
- Station Names: Nayandahalli, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Jnana Bharathi (formerly Bengaluru University Cross), Pattanagere, Kengeri Bus Terminal (formerly Mailasandra), Kengeri, and Challaghatta
- Status: Operational
Purple Line: Baiyyappanahalli – Whitefield
- Length: 15.257 km
- Type: Elevated
- New Depot: Kadugodi Depot in Whitefield (44.8 acres; serving the entire line)
- Number of Stations: 13
- Station Names: Benniganahalli, KR Pura, Singayyanapalya, Gurudacharpalya, Hoodi, Seetharamapalya, Kundalahalli, Nallurhalli, Sri Sathya Sai Hospital, Pattandur Agrahara, Kadugodi Tree Park, Hopefarm Channasandra, and Whitefield (Kadugodi)
- Status: Operational
Extension of the Green Line in Phase 2
Green Line: Yelachenahalli (Puttenahalli) – Silk Institute (Anjanapura)
- Length: 6.29 km
- Type: Elevated
- New Depot: Anjanapura Depot (8.9 acres; serving the entire line)
- Number of Stations: 5
- Station Names: Doddakallasandra (formerly Krishna Leela Park), Konankunte Cross (formerly Anjanapura Cross Road), Vajrahalli, Thalgattapura, and Silk Institute (formerly Anjanapura Township & Anjanapura)
- Status: Operational
Green Line: Nagasandra – Madavara
- Length: 3.031 km
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: 3
- Station Names: Manjunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu (formerly Jindal), and Madavara (formerly BIEC)
- Status: Operational
Timeline of Phase 2 of Bengaluru Metro
| Line | Section | Distance | Opening Date |
Purple Line | Mysore Road – Kengeri | 7.5 km | 30 August 2021 |
| Kengeri – Challaghatta | 2.1 km | 9 October 2023 | |
| Baiyappanahalli – Krishnarajapura | 2.10km | 9 October 2023 | |
| Krishnarajapura – Whitefield (Kadugodi) | 13.7 km | 26 March 2023 | |
Green Line | Yelachenahalli – Silk Institute | 6.3 km | 14 January 2021 |
| Nagasandra – Madavara | 3.03 km | 7 November 2024 |
Phase 2A of Bangalore Metro
Overview
In September 2016, the government announced plans for the development of an 18-kilometre new corridor, designated as the Blue Line, which will connect the Silk Board to K.R. Puram. This initiative was incorporated into the project as part of Phase 2A.
The BMRCL prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed corridor and submitted it to the state government on October 28, 2016. The State Cabinet subsequently approved Phase 2A on March 1, 2017. Furthermore, in April 2021, the Central Government’s cabinet approved Phase 2A.
Funding Mechanism of Phase 2A
The Bangalore Metro Phase 2 is estimated to cost ₹5,227.35 crore. The project has received financial aid from multiple international funding agencies and the central and state governments.
| Asian Development Bank (ADB): | ₹1,479.46 crore |
| Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) | ₹893 crore (preliminary negotiation) |
| Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Sources | ₹600 crore |
| State Government Contribution | ₹1,690.46 crore |
| Central Government Contribution | ₹734.22 crore |
Route Details
- Line 5 (Blue Line): KR Puram – Central Silkboard
- Length: 18.236 km
- Status: Under construction
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: 13
- Line 5 (Blue Line) stations: KR Puram (interchange with Purple Line), Mahadevpura, DRDO Sports Complex, Doddanakundi, ISRO, Marathahalli, Kodibisanahalli, Kadubeesanahalli, Bellandur, Ibbalur, Agara Lake, HSR Layout, and Silk Board (interchange with Yellow Line).
Phase 2B of Bangalore Metro
Overview
The Phase 2B of the Bangalore Metro is under construction “airport-link” section of the Blue Line, which spans 37 km connecting Bengaluru city to Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) in Devanahalli with 17 stations. In April 2021, the Central Government’s cabinet approved Phase 2B of the Bengaluru (Namma) Metro project.
Phase 2B Funding Mechanism
- Estimated Cost: ₹9,616.51 crore
- Asian Development Bank (ADB): ₹2,410.79 crore
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA): ₹1,310.74 crore
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Sources: ₹800 crore
- State Government Contribution: ₹4,074.34 crore
- Central Government Contribution: ₹1,260.54 crore
Route Details
Line 5 – Blue Line: KR Puram – Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) Terminals
- Length: 37 km
- Depot: Shettigere Depot (in addition to Phase 2A’s Baiyappanahalli Depot)
- Status: Under construction
- Number of Stations: 17
- Stations: Kasturinagara, Horamavu, HRBR Layout (formerly Babusaheb Palya), Kalyan Nagar, HBR Layout, Nagawara, Veerannapalya, Kempapura, Hebbal, Kodigehalli, Jakkur Cross, Yelahanka (formerly Kogilu Cross), Bagalur Cross (formerly Bagalur/PRR Cross), Bettahalasuru, Doddajala (formerly Trumpet Junction), Airport City (formerly Sky Garden, to be built at-grade), and KIAL Terminals.
Phase 3 of Bangalore Metro
Overview
The Phase 3 expansion of Namma Metro aims to enhance connectivity in western Bengaluru through the addition of two elevated routes, totalling 44.65 km in length..
Development Timeline:
| 2016 | BMRCL and RITES conducted Pre-feasibility and techno-economic feasibility studies for Bangalore Metro Phase 3. |
| February 2018 | The Karnataka state government approved the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). |
| July 2020 | RITES was tasked with preparing the DPR for Bangalore Metro Phase 2. |
| August 2024 | India’s Central Government Cabinet officially approved the construction of the 44.65 km Phase 3 project with an estimated total cost of Rs. 15,611 crore. |
.Funding Mechanism
- Government of Karnataka (Equity): Rs. 2,037 crore
- GOK Subordinated Debt for Land & Rehabilitation/Resettlement (RR): Rs. 2,019 crore
- GOK Subordinated Debt for Central Taxes: Rs. 489 crore
- Government of India (Equity): Rs. 2,037 crore
- GOI Subordinated Debt for Central Taxes: Rs. 489 crore
- External Debt (Loan): Rs. 7,577 crore
Routes Details
Corridor 1: Kempapura – JP Nagar 4th Phase
- Length: 32.15 km
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: 22
- Stations: Kempapura, Hebbal, Nagashetty Halli, BEL Circle, Muthyalanagar, Peenya, Kanteerava Nagar, Freedom Fighter’s Colony, Chowdeshwari Nagar, Sumanahalli Cross, BDA Complex Nagarbhavi, Papireddy Palya, Vinayaka Layout, Nagarbhavi Circle, Mysuru Road, Dwaraka Nagar, Hosakerehalli, Kamakya Junction, Kadirenahalli, JP Nagar, JP Nagar 5th Phase and JP Nagar 4th Phase
Corridor 2: Kadabagare – Hosahalli
- Length: 12.5 km
- Type: Elevated
- Number of Stations: 9
- Station Names: Kadabagare, Kamath Layout, Byadarahalli, Herohalli, Anjana Nagar Sumanahalli Cross, Kamakshi Palya, KHB Colony and Hosahalli
| Recent update on Phase 3 of Bangalore Metro In February 2025, BMRCL initiated the land acquisition for Bangalore Metro Phase 3. BMRCL has acquired 26,811 square meters of land for Corridor 1, which connects J. P. Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road Metro Station. BMRCL has also identified a total of 1,29,743 square meters of land for this corridor, which involves 777 private properties. |
Phase 3A of Bangalore Metro
Overview
Phase 3A of the Bengaluru Metro is in the proposal stage and includes a 36.59 km long new metro corridor from Sarjapur to Hebbal, consisting of 28 stations. The project aims to enhance connectivity across Bengaluru, particularly between its southeastern and northern regions.
Estimated Cost: Rs 28,400 crore
Route Details
Sarjapur – Hebbal Metro Line
- Length: 36.59 km
- Type: Elevated (22.15 km) & Underground (14.44 km)
- Depot: Sarjapur
- Number of Stations: 28 (17 elevated & 11 underground)
- Stations: Sarjapur, Kada Agrahara Road, Sompura, Dommasandra, Muthanallur Cross, Kodathi Circle, Ambedkar Nagar, Carmelaram, Doddakanalli, Kaikondrahalli, Bellandur Gate, Ibbalur, Agara, Jakkasandra, Koramangala 3rd Block, Koramangala 2nd Block, Dairy Circle, Nimhans, Shantinagara, Town Hall, KR Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, Bengaluru Golf Course, Palace Guttahalli, Mekhri Circle, Veterinary College, Ganga Nagar and Hebbal
| Recent Update on Phase 3A The Government has approved Phase 3A of the Bangalore Metro. However, The Centre has directed that the cost estimates of the Bangalore Metro phase 3A need to be examined by an expert agency before granting final approval. |
Contractor’s list
| Larsen & Toubro | Package T1: supply and installation of ballastless tracks for Phase 2A and Phase 2B’s KR Puram – Kempapura section |
| Larsen & Toubro | Package T2: supply and installation of ballastless tracks for Phase 2B’s Kempapura – Airport section. |
| BEML | Manufacture and supply of 318 new metro coaches for the Bengaluru Metro Phase 2, Phase 2A and Phase 2B |
| Vossloh Cogifer Turnouts India Pvt. Ltd. | Design, Manufacture & Supply of Standard Gauge UIC 60 Turnouts for Phase 2A and 2B |
| Siemens – RVNL JV | EPC5-CC: Engineering, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of 33 KV distribution, 750V DC third rail traction electrification with traction substations, auxiliary substations and SCADA system for Phase-2A & Phase-2B. |
| SECON Pvt. Ltd. | Geotechnical soil investigation for Bengaluru Metro Phase 3’s Mysore Road Station to Kanteerava Studio Station |
| Manglam Consultancy Services – Hyderabad | Geotechnical soil investigation for Bengaluru metro phase 3 new corridor connecting JP Nagar 4th Phase to Mysore Road Station. |
| Myrtle Project and Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. | Geotechnical soil investigation for Bengaluru metro phase 3, Kanteerava Studio Station to Kempapura Station |
| SECON Pvt. Ltd. | Geotechnical soil investigation for Bengaluru Metro Phase‘s Hosahalli Station to Kadabagere Station |
| Linxon | EP4-CC: complete power supply including 750V DC third rail electrification for Phase 2’s yellow and pink lines. |
| Afcons Infrastructure | Construction of Viaduct & Stations for phase 2A from Central Silk Board to Kadubeesanahalli |
| Shankaranarayana Constructions | Construction of Viaduct & Stations for phase 2A from Kodibisanahalli station to K R Puram station |
Ridership Trends Amidst Fare Hike
The Bangalore Metro registered its highest-ever single-day ridership on June 4, 2025, with 966,732 commuters using the system. Line 1 accounted for 478,334 passengers, while Line 2 carried 284,674. This milestone came in the backdrop of a fare revision that came into effect on February 9, 2025, which saw fare increases of up to 100% on certain routes. The steep hike led to widespread public criticism. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intervened on February 13, directing BMRCL to review and adjust the pricing. Following this, on February 14, BMRCL announced a revision, capping the maximum fare hike at 71% to address commuter concerns.
Operational Cost and Financial Trends
Between March 2017 and March 2024, BMRCL experienced a rise in operational expenditures, wherein the staff costs increased by 42%, which accounts for 61% of the total operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses. Meanwhile, the energy costs saw a 34% increase, contributing 19% to the overall O&M costs. Meanwhile, maintenance and administrative expenses surged by 366%, making up 20% of O&M costs.
Furthermore, from FY 2024–25 to FY 2029–30, BMRCL is subjected to pay the loan repayments amounting to approximately ₹10,422.2 crore. During the same period, depreciation costs are projected to total ₹7,316.21 crore.
BMRCL Financial Commitments (FY 2024–25 to FY 2029–30)
| Year | Loan Repayment (₹ crore) | Depreciation (₹ crore) |
| 2024–25 | 770.6 | 628.53 |
| 2025–26 | 775.07 | 885.42 |
| 2026–27 | 1,486.38 | 1,018.43 |
| 2027–28 | 2,265.66 | 1,594.61 |
| 2028–29 | 2,347.91 | 1,594.61 |
| 2029–30 | 2,776.58 | 1,594.61 |
Benefits of the Bengaluru Metro Project
Reduced Traffic Congestion: By providing a fast, efficient, and reliable mode of public transportation, the metro system alleviates traffic across the city. The establishment of a metro system encouraged commuters to shift from private vehicles to the metro. This shift helps reduce the number of cars and two-wheelers on the road, easing traffic on major routes, especially during peak hours. As the metro network continues to expand, it is expected that even more commuters will choose public transportation over private vehicles, further easing traffic congestion in the city.
Environmental Impact: The Bangalore Metro is sustainably viable as it reduces traffic congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and promotes eco-friendly travel. Powered by electricity, the Bangalore Metro supports greener urban mobility.
Economic Growth: The Bangalore Metro Project majorly contributes to economic growth by enhancing connectivity and decreasing travel time, thereby facilitating access to employment, education, and markets. It improves productivity by minimising commuting delays and attracts investment in areas surrounding metro stations.
Challenges in the Bangalore Metro Project
Delay in Rolling Stock: The construction of Bangalore Metro’s Yellow Line has been completed; however, the line remains non-operational due to delays in the procurement and delivery of rolling stock. This setback is impacting the overall progress and effectiveness of the project.
Overcrowding: Namma Metro recorded its highest-ever daily footfall on April 17, with 9,08,153 passengers boarding, according to the BMRCL. This surge in ridership highlights the growing issue of overcrowding across the metro network, putting pressure on existing infrastructure and affecting commuter comfort.
High Fares for Low-Income Users: High fares in the Bangalore Metro remain a challenge for many commuters. For instance, a daily metro rail commuter between Baiyappanahalli and Cubbon Park used to pay ₹19 earlier for a one-way ride. Now the fares have been revised, and one has to pay ₹28. This cost difference discourages regular use by many commuters.
Conclusion
The integration of new metro routes and the extension of existing corridors within the Bangalore Metro project will enhance the current transport infrastructure, enabling it to accommodate a greater number of passengers and facilitating a seamless flow of transit. However, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) must address specific issues, including the timely delivery of rolling stock for the Pink Line and Yellow Line, in order to fully leverage the potential of this infrastructure. Furthermore, increases in fare costs may deter commuters from utilizing public transport; thus, it is imperative that BMRCL maintains the metro service at an affordable price point for all users. Upon becoming operational, Bangalore Metro Phase 2 is expected to contribute to the overall efficiency of public transportation in the region while creating a sustainable future for the residents of the city.
