Feasibility Study Launched For Double-Decker Flyovers On Bengaluru Namma Metro Lines

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) initiated a tender on March 14 for the preparation of a feasibility study report regarding the construction of double-decker flyovers along three Metro corridors within the city.

These corridors include: JP Nagar 4th Phase to Hebbal (29 km), Hosahalli to Kadabagere (11.45 km), and Sarjapur to Ibbalur (ORR Junction, 14 km) with Agara-Koramangala 3rd Block (2.4 km) as part of the Sarjapur-Hebbal corridor (37 km).

However, two of the Metro's Phase 3 corridors, JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along ORR West, and Hosahalli to Kadabagere line along Magadi Road, have been pending before the Union government since November 2022.

Additionally, BMRCL is currently reviewing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a Metro line from Sarjapur to Agara, Koramangala, Dairy Circle, and connecting to Hebbal via Mekhri Circle under Namma Metro Phase-3A. However, approval from the state government is still pending.

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, recently proposed the construction of double-decker flyovers, which would accommodate vehicles on the lower deck and the Metro on the upper deck, with the aim of alleviating congestion in the city.

There are concerns, however, regarding potential delays and increased costs for the Metro due to the proposed double-decker flyovers. Experts suggest that such projects might impact the Metro rail's ridership, which is designed to offer faster travel compared to road traffic.

Shivakumar instructed authorities to construct two-level structures where pillars are yet to be erected, with one level designated for the road and the other for the Metro. He mentioned that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and BMRCL will collaborate on this initiative, with BBMP funding the road flyover costs and BMRCL managing the Metro costs.

Pruthvin Reddy, a rail enthusiast, suggested that while a double-decker Metro is necessary on Sarjapur Road, constructing end-to-end flyovers may not serve the intended purpose and could escalate project costs. Instead, he proposed the installation of short-grade separators at crucial junctions to manage traffic flow.

Maheshwar Rao M, BMRCL Managing Director, stated that the feasibility report will determine the necessity of double-decker flyovers along the three Metro corridors. He confirmed that BMRCL will cover the project costs as outlined in the DPR.

Currently, Bengaluru's first double-decker flyover, spanning 3.35 km between Ragigudda and Central Silk Board on Marenahalli Road, is under construction as part of the Metro's fully elevated RV Road-Bommasandra Yellow Line corridor (18.8 km) under Phase 2 of the project, and is expected to be completed in a few months.