Future Expansion Plans of Bangalore Metro Phase 2

Bangalore Metro, also known as Namma Metro, started operation on 20^th October 2011. At present it is the second longest functioning metro network in India after Delhi Metro. Namma Metro currently covers a total length of 42.3 kilometres and serves 41 stations. The rapid transit system serves to ferry across an average of 315,000 passengers daily.

The metro system in Bangalore is being developed in phases. The construction work for phase I of the Namma Metro network commenced on 15^th April 2007. After more than a decade, the entire portion of phase I of the network got completed on 18^th June 2017 and has been in full-fledged commercial operation since then. Let us take a look at the future expansion plans of Bangalore Metro phase 2.

Bangalore Metro Phase 2 to be Completed by 2022

The phase 2 of Namma Metro will see the network expand by a distance of 72.095 km. As per the state government, this part of the project will get completed by 2022. After the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) took so many years to complete and begin operation of phase I, the state government has set five years’ deadline for this project.

Bangalore metro phase 2 is set to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 26,405 crore. This stretch of the project will see the development of 61 metro stations. Out of these proposed 61 stations, 12 stations are to be built underground. Unlike the metro stations constructed under phase I, all stations of phase 2 will be equipped with parking facilities. The complete stretch of the 72.095 km long network will be divided into an underground stretch of 13.79 km, an elevated stretch of 57.825 km, and 0.48 km will be at grade.

As of now, the metro network consists of two color-coded lines: Purple Line and Green Line. Phase 2 will include the extension of these two corridors along their four reaches.

Bangalore Metro Phase 2 – Proposed Routes

The proposed plans for Bangalore metro phase 2 include the extension of the existing metro corridors in the following manner:

Additionally, there will be construction of three new color-coded lines in phase 2 of the project: yellow, red, and blue. The proposed new lines will witness the expansion of the metro network along the following routes:

Purple Line

The proposed extension of the purple line under phase 2 will cover a distance of 6.4 km. It will include 6 stations to be located between Magadi Road and Mysore Road. The purple line will also extend through the 4.8 km long distance between Bangalore City Railway Station and Cubbon Park. It will be an underground stretch. Under phase 2, the purple line is proposed to extend from Whitefield to Kengeri.

Green Line

The proposed expansion of the green line under phase 2 will connect Anjanapura Township along the Kanakapura Road to the Bangalore International Exhibition Center (BIEC) on Tumkur Road (NH-4).

Red Line

The proposed Red line under phase 2 will cover a distance of 21.25 km and will extend from Gottigere to Nagawara. Most part of this line will be underground (13.79 km). Only 6.98 km will remain elevated and 0.48 km will be at-grade sections. This line will include 18 stations, out of which 12 will be underground and 6 will be elevated.

Yellow Line

Bangalore Metro’s proposed yellow line will be an 18.82 km long stretch. This stretch will be fully elevated. It will connect R V Road to Bommasandra. There will be 16 stations on this line.

Blue Line

The proposed Blue Line or the ORR metro line will be 17 km long and will include 13 stations. This line will link Silk Board to K.R. Puram. It is proposed to have interchange stations at these two terminal stations. This line will offer a convenient way for the people to commute from the southern part of Bangalore to the other parts of the city.

Land Acquisition for Bangalore Metro Phase 2

The responsibility for acquiring land to develop the phase 2 of the metro network lies with the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). Namma Metro’s phase 2 will need a total of 102.02 hectares (252 acres) of land for its development. It has been estimated that land acquisition will cost Rs 5000 crore.

Proposed Stations of Bangalore Metro Phase 2

Mentioned below are the stations for each metro line:

Phase 3 of Namma Metro

According to the proposal of the State Urban Development Ministry, phase 3 of Namma Metro will cover a distance of 127 km. This phase will include the expansion of the metro network along the eastern and the western side of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) line. There will be two more lines in phase 3. These two lines will connect the existing lines from the previous two phases.

Phase 3 will include a 33 km line that will cover the eastern side of the ORR line from Silk Board to Hebbal. Further, a 31.37 km line will extend along the western part of the road. There will be another line of 21.31 km distance that will link Hosakerehalli to ORR at Marathahalli and will pass through the Old Airport Road. This line will connect the areas of Domlur, Konena Agrahara and HAL to the metro network. Phase 3 will also have a 33 km long metro line from Carmelaram (Sarjapur Road) to Yelahanka. This line will pass through areas like Central College, Palace Guttahalli, Mehkri Circle and Hebbal. Another new line of 8.89 km will connect Nice Road to Toll Gate (Magadi Road).

Conclusion

Even though Namma Metro is taking time to get completed, it has already started to show its utility. The proposed expansion of the metro network will help people from distant areas of the city to commute from one part to another within a short time. One huge advantage of this network is that it will help to reduce traffic congestion, which is a major cause of concern within the city.