Namma Metro Phase 3A Line Gets Karnataka Cabinet Approval: 36-km Sarjapur-Hebbal Connectivity Gets A Boost

The Karnataka Cabinet has granted swift approval for the Sarjapur-Hebbal Metro line under Phase 3 of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project.

Spanning 36.59 km, the new corridor will enhance urban mobility, connecting key areas in the city. The project, costing ₹28,405 crore, aims to address Bengaluru's growing transportation needs with a blend of elevated and underground stretches.

• Route & Design: The line will include 17 elevated stations across a 22.14-km stretch and 11 underground stations over 14.45 km.
• Interchanges: Key interchanges are planned at Iblur (Blue Line), Dairy Circle (Pink Line), KR Circle (Purple Line), and Hebbal (Blue and Orange Lines).
• Budget: A substantial ₹5,000 crore will be allocated for land acquisition alone.

The project received rapid clearance from the Finance Department just three weeks after administrative approval from the Urban Development Department (UDD). LK Atheeq, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), confirmed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was approved without modifications, reflecting adherence to the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL) standards.

Key Factors Driving Approval

The absence of a double-decker (road-cum-metro) proposal expedited the process. Additionally, potential conflicts with the BBMP's proposed 18-km tunnel road project were addressed. Hebbal, initially proposed as a depot site by Namma Metro, was resolved as the exit point for the tunnel project, ensuring smooth coordination.

The financial model aligns with the Metro Rail Policy 2017, leveraging equity sharing under a joint venture framework. Approval has been granted to secure sovereign loans or pass-through assistance (PTA) from multilateral and bilateral institutions, pending the Union government's nod. The central government is expected to contribute at least 20% of the project's cost.

Pre-construction activities such as land acquisition, utility relocation, and detailed designs will commence once the Union government provides the green light. Civil works will follow promptly.