Namma Metro Phase-3 Project Gets Finance Ministry Approval: 31 New Stations Added Across 44.65 km

The Union Finance Ministry has cleared Bengaluru Namma Metro's Rs 15,611 crore Phase-3 project, paving the way for the project to receive final approval from the cabinet. The ambitious project will cover 44.65 km of elevated corridors and feature 31 metro stations.

The first corridor will stretch 32.15 km along the western side of Outer Ring Road, connecting J P Nagar's fourth phase to Kempapura and featuring 22 stations that will connect to the Airport Line. The second corridor will cover 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabgere on Magadi Road, with nine stations.

The state government has authorized the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to initiate the tendering process for the project. However, progress is being delayed by a new proposal to incorporate double-decker flyovers into all upcoming Metro projects.

A senior BMRCL official stated that the Public Investment Board's earlier approval has been followed by the Finance Ministry's consent. The Centre's Urban Development Department recently presented a detailed overview of Phase-3 to the Prime Minister's Office to expedite Cabinet clearance.

The project has a deadline of 2028 and is expected to carry an average of 9.12 lakh passengers daily by 2051. The revised project cost was approved by the state government in March this year.

Bengaluru's metro network currently spans 73.81 km, making it India's second-longest operational network after Delhi Metro. Two operational corridors serve the city: the East-West Corridor and the North-South Corridor.