The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has officially commenced the land acquisition process for the much-anticipated Namma Metro Phase 3 project. This significant infrastructure initiative is set to enhance the metro network in Bangalore, which is one of India’s fastest-growing cities. The first step involves acquiring 26,811 square meters of land for the stretch between JP Nagar Phase 4 and Mysuru Road Metro Station. Namma Metro Phase 3 is designed to improve connectivity across the city, featuring crucial interchange stations such as Peenya and JP Nagar on the Green Line, Mysuru Road on the Purple Line, and Sumanahalli on the Hosahalli-Kadabagere route. This expansion will also integrate the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road and incorporate Hebbal as a vital interchange for the Blue Line airport route and the Red Line Hebbal-Sarjapur route.
Key Corridors and Project Scope
Phase 3 of the Namma Metro project encompasses two main corridors. Corridor 1 spans an impressive 32.15 kilometers, running from JP Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura, necessitating the acquisition of 129,743 square meters of land. This corridor will impact 777 private properties, with an estimated acquisition cost of around Rs 19 billion. Meanwhile, Corridor 2 will cover a distance of 12.5 kilometers, stretching from Hosahalli to Kadabagere. The overall estimated cost for the entire Phase 3 project is approximately Rs 156.11 billion. The funding for this ambitious endeavor will come from various sources, including loans amounting to Rs 75.77 billion and revenue generated from advertising and station naming rights, projected to be around Rs 4.5 billion. A notable feature of this phase is the inclusion of a double-decker viaduct, which is expected to minimize disruptions to the existing infrastructure, thereby ensuring a seamless construction process.
Geotechnical Investigations and Future Planning
As part of the preparatory work for Namma Metro Phase 3, geotechnical investigations have already commenced on Magadi Road. These investigations will focus on crucial soil testing between Mysuru Road and Kanteerava Studio Stations in Phase 1, as well as from Hosahalli to Kadabagere Depot in Phase 2. Future studies are also planned for stretches connecting Kanteerava Studio to Kempapura and from JP Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road. The total cost for these investigations is anticipated to be Rs 54.9 billion, with a timeline of five months for completion. The land acquisition process for the JP Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road section encompasses vital areas, including Nainappashetti Palya, Bilekahalli, Sarakki, and Jaraganahalli, among others. Additional land parcels, such as Hosakerehalli, Pantharapalya, and Nayandahalli, are also included in this comprehensive acquisition effort.
Conclusion: Impact and Future Prospects
The initiation of the Namma Metro Phase 3 land acquisition process marks a significant milestone for Bangalore’s urban transport system. With a projected capacity to serve approximately 728,000 daily passengers by 2028, this expansion is poised to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the quality of life for residents. The integration of multiple corridors and interchange stations will facilitate smoother travel across the city, making public transportation a more viable option for commuters. As construction progresses and geotechnical studies are completed, stakeholders are optimistic about the timely delivery of this critical infrastructure project. The Namma Metro Phase 3 will not only contribute to the city’s economic growth but also position Bangalore as a model for sustainable urban transport solutions in India.
