Bengaluru Metro Phase 3: Peenya Station May Shift to Goraguntepalya, Orange Line To Be 300m Shorter

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is thinking about moving the proposed Peenya Metro station closer to the Goraguntepalya signal on the Outer Ring Road. This change, part of Phase 3 of the Metro project, would shorten the Orange Line from J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura by 300 meters. To keep the connection, two foot overbridges will connect the new station to the current Metro stations at Peenya and Goraguntepalya. BMRCL officials shared this plan with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during his visit to Metro construction sites.

The state government has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 3, which includes two main routes: the Orange Line and another route stretching 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere. Originally, there were plans for interchange stations at J.P. Nagar, Mysuru Road, Sumanahalli, and Peenya. However, they are now rethinking the Peenya interchange because the original location requires a high elevation.

Water Rates and Metro Fare Increase

Shivakumar also talked about possibly increasing water rates, saying that the proposal to change drinking water prices will go to the Cabinet. It has been 14 years since the last increase, and the raise is necessary because the board is losing ₹1,000 crore a year. The BWSSB has submitted a report that will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting.

Regarding Metro fares, he mentioned a central committee led by a judge is reviewing the situation, and the government won't interfere in their decision.

Plans for Double-Decker Flyovers

To help reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru, Shivakumar announced plans for double-decker flyovers near new Metro lines. He said, "We have decided to build double-decker flyovers as part of our efforts to improve traffic and beautify the city." These flyovers will be built along all new Metro lines, covering about 40 km. The costs will be shared equally between BBMP and BMRCL, with the additional cost for these flyovers estimated at ₹9,800 crore. The western part of the city will see the first projects based on a successful plan tested in Ragigudda. More improvements will be made as needed.

The commissioners from BBMP, BMRCL, and BDA are identifying busy areas like Hebbal, Goraguntepalya, BEL Side Road, Lottegollahalli, and Sumanahalli for new flyovers and underpasses.

To make the city look nice under the Brand Bengaluru project, advertisements will be allowed on Metro pillars, with revenue shared between BBMP and BMRCL.

On the topic of unauthorised properties, he shared that they have prepared 25 lakh accounts, with 7 lakh still pending. A plan is in place to address this, but he did not share specifics.

In response to criticism about the Tunnel Road project, he said, "Progress is not possible without criticism. Criticism fades, but development continues."