Hebbal–Sarjapur Metro Line DPR Faces Second Rejection as Centre Flags Design Concerns

The Centre has returned the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Hebbal-Sarjapur Metro Line for the second time, putting the ambitious Namma Metro Red Line project on hold. The 36.59-km stretch, part of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL) Phase 3A expansion, is designed to connect Sarjapur in the city's southeast with Hebbal in the north, linking key residential clusters and another major IT corridor.

Despite cost revisions and resubmission, the Union government has flagged design concerns, particularly over the proposed double-decker model.

The corridor, originally pegged at ₹28,405 crore, was reworked and resubmitted after central feedback on cost efficiency. The revised DPR now stands at ₹25,485 crore - a reduction of ₹2,920 crore. The per-kilometre cost has also been brought down from ₹767 crore to ₹688 crore.

Despite the reduction, the Centre has once again sent the DPR back for reconsideration.

What Happened in the First DPR?

In its earlier submission, the Karnataka government had proposed the Hebbal-Sarjapur Double Decker Metro Corridor with a total estimated cost of ₹28,405 crore.

The Centre reportedly flagged concerns over:

• High overall project cost
• Per-kilometre expenditure
• Financial sustainability

Following this feedback, the state undertook a cost-optimisation exercise.

French consultancy firm SYSTRA, appointed by BMRCL, carried out a detailed technical review. The revision focused on reducing the length of underground station sections while retaining:

• The total 37-km route
• All 28 planned stations

This brought down the total cost by ₹2,920 crore.

Why the DPR Was Returned Again

Even after cost rationalisation, the Centre has raised objections to the double-decker flyover concept integrated into the corridor.

The Hebbal-Sarjapur Double Decker Metro Corridor proposes metro infrastructure combined with elevated roadways along the route. The Union government has argued that expanding road capacity under or alongside metro infrastructure could:

• Encourage private vehicle usage
• Reduce metro ridership

Officials believe expanding road capacity under the metro viaduct may encourage car and two-wheeler usage, potentially reducing metro ridership.

Concerns have also been raised about financial viability, with lower projected passenger numbers affecting long-term sustainability.

Officials have advised that double-decker structures, if unavoidable, should be limited to specific junctions instead of spanning the entire corridor.

Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan confirmed that the DPR has been sent back and the corridor is currently on hold. The development comes amid public criticism over recent metro fare hikes, adding pressure on the state government and the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

State Government's Position

The Karnataka government has defended the Hebbal-Sarjapur Double Decker Metro Corridor, arguing that Bengaluru's severe land constraints and worsening traffic conditions require innovative infrastructure solutions.

Officials maintain that the double-decker model would reduce the need for large-scale land acquisition, bring down associated costs, and speed up construction timelines. They contend that integrating road and metro infrastructure along the same stretch would help tackle congestion while simultaneously expanding mass transit connectivity. However, with the DPR returned for the second time, the state will now have to revise the proposal and address the Centre's concerns before seeking fresh approval.

Route and Connectivity

The Red Line is designed to connect Hebbal in north Bengaluru to Sarjapur in the southeast, covering major residential, commercial and IT hubs.

Key interchange points include:

1. Blue Line at Hebbal
2. Purple Line at KR Circle
3. Pink Line at Dairy Circle
4. Blue Line link at Agara

Planned Stations (28 Total)

Hebbal, Ganganagar, Veterinary College, Mekhri Circle, Golf Club, Palace Guttahalli, Basaveshwara Circle, KR Circle, Town Hall, Shantinagar, NIMHANS, Dairy Circle, Koramangala 2nd Block, Koramangala 3rd Block, Jakkasandra, Agara, Ibballur, Bellandur Gate, Kaikondrahalli, Doddakannalli, Carmelaram, Agrahara Road and Sarjapur, among others along the alignment.

What Next for the Hebbal-Sarjapur Double Decker Metro Corridor?

The state government has now been asked to revise the DPR again, particularly the double-decker components.

Final central approval for the Namma Metro Red Line was earlier expected by March 2026. Geotechnical tenders worth ₹6.86 crore have already been floated for preliminary works, indicating that preparatory steps were underway.

However, until the Centre clears the revised proposal, full-scale construction cannot begin.

For Bengaluru, the delay affects what was projected to be a major north-south connectivity corridor aimed at easing congestion and linking IT corridors with residential neighbourhoods. With the DPR returned again, the future of the Hebbal-Sarjapur Double Decker Metro Corridor now hinges on further design revisions and Centre-State consensus.