KARNATAKA (Metro Rail News): On Friday, during his budget speech in the Legislative Assembly, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced two Metro rail projects in Bengaluru with a combined value of Rs 31,328 crore. He mentioned that a Detailed Project Report for Metro Phase-3, costing Rs. 16,328 crore, has been submitted to the Center for approval. The project covers a distance of 45 km, connecting Kempapura to JP Nagar Fourth Phase and Hosahalli to Kadabagere, which includes the western Outer Ring Road line as well.
Furthermore, there is a proposal to build a new Metro line stretching 37 km from Hebbal to Sarjapura, with an approximate cost of Rs 15,000 crore. This proposal will be sent to the Government of India for approval.
By the end of 2024, new Metro lines will be added, including Baiyyappanahalli to Krishnarajapura, Kengeri to Challaghatta, Nagasandra to Madawara, and RV Road to Bommasandra, totaling 27 km. Over the next three years, the Metro network will expand from 70 km to 176 km, which is 2.5 times its current coverage. The airport Metro line’s progress will be expedited, with plans to make it operational by 2026.
Mr. Siddaramaiah criticized the previous BJP government for failing to implement the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, which aimed to alleviate traffic congestion. He stated that the project remained a budget announcement for years. The total allocation for this project is Rs. 15,767 crore, with the Central government contributing Rs. 3,242 crore, the state government providing Rs. 5,087 crore, and external sources providing a loan component of Rs. 7,438 crore.
To date, the Central government has released Rs. 500 crore, and the state government has provided Rs. 660 crore for the suburban rail project. For the current year, the state government has allocated Rs. 1,000 crore towards its development.
