Bengaluru, the capital and largest city of Karnataka has a population exceeding 8 million, with a metropolitan population of around 15 million, making it the third most populous city in India and the fourth most populous urban agglomeration. On the global stage, Bengaluru ranks as the 27th largest city. It is also recognised as one of the fastest-growing major metropolises in India, rapidly expanding in both population and infrastructure.
Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bengaluru has earned a reputation as the country’s leading hub for technology and innovation. The city is home to numerous large multinational technology companies and serves as a major semiconductor-centric aerospace and defence organisation. Additionally, Bengaluru houses several top-tier engineering and research institutions, along with state-own the most prominent cities in India for high-technology-based heavy manufacturing industries.
The Need for a Metro System
Urbanisation: Bengaluru Urban District has experienced massive urban growth over the past century. As per the 2011 Census, the population skyrocketed from 384,601 in 1901 to 9,621,551, with around 90.9% of the population residing in urban areas. The urbanisation rate peaked at 51.9% between 2001 and 2011, driven by continuous migration and rapid urban development. By 2025, the city’s population is projected to reach approximately 12.5 million, necessitating enhanced infrastructure.
Strain on Existing Transport Systems
Despite the presence of BMTC buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and a suburban train network, Bengaluru’s existing public transport infrastructure struggles to meet the rising demand due to this urban explosion. This shortfall forces more people to rely on personal vehicles, exacerbating traffic issues.
Dependence on Personal Vehicles
Due to limited public transport options, more people are relying on personal vehicles for commuting. This has contributed to significant traffic congestion, adding to the city’s transportation challenges.
Traffic Congestion in Bengaluru
In 2023, Bengaluru was ranked as the most congested city in India and the sixth most congested city globally, an improvement from its second place in 2022. The average travel time for a 10-kilometer journey in 2023 was recorded at 28 minutes and 10 seconds, slightly down from 29 minutes and 10 seconds in 2022. Despite this minor improvement, the city’s traffic remains a major concern.
Idea Of Metro In Bengaluru
- 1977: The State Town Planning Department recommended exploring a mass rapid transit project for Bengaluru city.
- 1981: A high-level committee agreed on the necessity of a metro study and commissioned a team from Southern Railway (SR) to conduct the research. The team proposed a two-corridor metro system spanning 80 km (50 mi), along with commuter rail lines and a ring railway.
- 1994: The government created Bengaluru Mass Rapid Transit Ltd (BMRCL to seek a public-private partnership for the metro project.
- 2003: The Government of Karnataka commissioned the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to conduct a detailed preparation study for the metro.
- 2006: Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) was established to oversee the construction and operation of the metro system.
Overview
Bengaluru Metro, also known as Namma Metro, is India’s second-largest operational metro network, covering approximately 75.2 km.
Phase 1, which spans 42.3 km with 41 stations, became fully operational in June 2017.
Phase 2, currently under construction, will add 73.9 km to the network, introducing new lines, including the Pink and Yellow Lines and extension of existing lines.
Phase 3 of Namma Metro was approved for construction in August 2024 and it will add two elevated routes totaling 44.65 km, primarily serving western Bengaluru.
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 |
| Estimated Cost | Phase 1:₹14,405 crore |
| Phase 2,2A,2B Combined:₹ 40,000 crore | |
| Phase 3:₹15,611 crore |
Phase 1
Overview
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the construction of Phase 1 on 24 June 2006. Phase 1 includes two lines stretching over a total distance of 42.30 kilometres (26.28 miles), with approximately 8.82 kilometres (5.48 miles) of the route being underground and around 33.48 kilometres (20.80 miles) elevated.
Funding Mechanism
- Central & State Government: Rs 8,487 crore (58.91%)
- Loans: Rs 5,918 crore (41.09%)
Phase 1 Corridors
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 Baiyappanahall.
Line-2 – Green line: Nagasandra – Yelachenahalli
- Length: 24.20 km
- Depot: Peenya
- Status: Operational
- Number of Stations: 24
- Stations 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
| Date | Section | Distance | Line |
| 20 Oct 2011 | Baiyyappanahalli – MG Road | 6.7 km | Purple Line |
| 01 Mar 2014 | Sampige Road – Peenya Industry | 9.9 km | Green Line |
| 01 May 2015 | Peenya Industry – Nagasandra | 2.5 km | Green Line |
| 16 Nov 2015 | Mysore Road – Magadi Road | 6.4 km | Purple Line |
| 29 Apr 2016 | MG Road – Magadi Road | 4.8 km | Purple Line |
| 19 June 2017 | Sampige Road – Yelachenahalli | 12 km | Green Line |
Phase 2
Overview
The Bengaluru (Namma) Metro Phase 2 project, featuring 73.921 km of new routes, received approval from the Karnataka state government in 2011 and from India’s Central Government in 2014. Phase 2 of the Bengaluru Metro (Namma Metro) involves extending both Phase 1 lines in each direction, in addition to the construction of two entirely new lines.
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
| Current Status: Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) successfully completed oscillation and Emergency Braking System (EBS) trials on the Yellow Line in September 2024. |
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, Swagath Road Cross, Dairy Circle, Lakkasandra (foremerly 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 update:On 31 August 2024, BEML officially commenced the production of 318 new coaches (53 trains) for Bengaluru Metro’s Phase 2 (73.92 km), Phase 2A (18.23 km), and Phase 2B (37 km) projects. This includes 96 coaches for the Pink Line. The first trainset is expected to be rolled out between June 2025 and December 2026.The breakthrough of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Bhadra (S-840B) at Nagawara Station on the Pink Line on 30 October marked the 100% completion of tunneling works for Bengaluru Metro’s Phase 2 project. |
Extension of Existing Corridors in Phase 2 of Bengaluru Metro
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
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.
| BMRCL initiated Trial runs on this section in mid-August 2024CMRS conducted an inspection in October 2024.This section became operational on 7 November 2024 after receiving approval from CMRS. However, the official inauguration of this section will be held later. |
Phase 2A
Overview
In September 2016, the government revealed plans for an 18 km (11 mi) corridor (Blue Line) connecting the Silk Board to K.R. Pura, which was added to the project as part of Phase 2A. BMRCL prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed line and submitted it to the state government on 28 October 2016. The State Cabinet approved Phase 2A on 1 March 2017.
Funding Mechanism of Phase 2A
- Estimated Cost: ₹5,227.35 crore
- 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 Information
- 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
Overview
In April 2021, the Central Government’s cabinet approved Phase 2B of the Bengaluru (Namma) Metro project. The Bengaluru (Namma) Metro Phase 2B project, spanning 37 km, is an under-construction “airport-link” segment of the Blue Line. This section will connect Bengaluru city to Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) in Devanahalli and will comprise 17 stations.
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 Information
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 2, 2A, and 2B Lines and Sections
Phase 2 initially planned to extend four sections of the two existing lines in all directions, along with the construction of two new lines: the Yellow Line and the Pink Line.
Subsequently, the ORR-East Line was incorporated into the project as Phase 2A. Following that, the Airport Line was introduced as a continuation of the ORR-East Line and designated as Phase 2B. This line was later renamed the Blue Line.
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 3
Overview:
The Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 project is an ambitious expansion of Namma Metro in western Bengaluru. This phase will include two elevated routes covering a total distance of 44.65 km.
Development Timeline:
- Feasibility Studies (2016): Pre-feasibility and techno-economic feasibility studies were conducted by RITES and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in 2016.
- Approval for DPR Preparation (2018): The Karnataka state government approved the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) in February 2018.
- DPR Assignment (2020): RITES was tasked with preparing the DPR in July 2020.
- Central Government Approval: In 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 in Bengaluru Metro Phase 3
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
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: In September 2024 SECON Pvt. Ltd. has commenced geotechnical soil investigation work along Magadi Road. |
Phase 3A
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. 25,868 crore
Route Information
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
Current Update:
| In June 2024, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Sarjapur – Hebbal metro line was submitted to the Karnataka state government for approval. Once approved by the state, the proposal will be forwarded to the Central Government for final clearance from its cabinet. |
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 line. |
| 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 |
Benefits of Bengaluru Metro
Reduced Traffic Congestion
With an operational network spanning 73.75 kilometres, Bengaluru Metro is significantly reducing the number of vehicles on the roads. On August 14, 2024, Namma Metro set a new record by serving 9,17,365 passengers in a single day. 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
By reducing reliance on personal vehicles, the metro contributes to lower carbon emissions.
Economic Growth
Bengaluru Metro has stimulated local economies by improving connectivity between neighbourhoods and business districts. This enhanced accessibility is strenthening trade and commerce, driving economic growth and encouraging real estate investments. Additionally, the ongoing construction and metro operations are generating employment opportunities for city residents, further contributing to the local economy.
Concerns related to the Bengaluru Metro Project
Overcrowding
Namma Metro recently recorded a peak ridership of 9.17 lakh passengers in a single day, leading to severe overcrowding, especially on the Purple Line. This congestion is not limited to peak hours anymore; it persists throughout the day, making it difficult for commuters to board trains.
High Fares for Low-Income Users
Current fares range from ₹10 to ₹60, with a proposed increase of 15-20% to address financial sustainability. This poses a burden on low-income commuters, many of whom earn less than ₹10,000 per month. A study indicated that 65.71% of low-income respondents cited high costs as a barrier to using the metro.
Underperformance Relative to Projections
Current ridership levels are lower than anticipated. The metro accounts for only about 4% of the city’s passenger traffic, compared to a projected 18% by 2031. This discrepancy raises concerns about the revenue generation necessary for sustainability.
Debt and Operational surplus
BMRCL has been generating an operational surplus since FY 2018 but it still faces financial challenges. Although its earnings (EBITDA Margin) are expected to reach about 41% by FY2027, the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) will likely drop below 1.0 in six out of the next 25 years. This suggests BMRCL need substantial funding to cover its debt, estimated at around ₹83.6 billion between FY2021 and FY2033.
Lack of Coordination with Other Transport Systems:
The absence of an integrated public transportation system that effectively coordinates metro services with buses and other modes hinders overall efficiency and accessibility, impacting ridership levels and the financial viability of the project.
Conclusion
Bengaluru Metro (Namma Metro) has emerged as a crucial infrastructure solution for the city’s growing urbanisation and traffic challenges. With the successful implementation of Phase 1 and ongoing expansions under Phases 2, 2A, and 2B, the metro system aims to enhance connectivity and alleviate congestion in one of India’s fastest-growing metropolises. The completion of these projects will improve public transportation, reduce dependence on personal vehicles, and provide a sustainable commuting option for millions. As the city continues to grow, Namma Metro remains a vital component of Bengaluru’s urban development.
