The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has initiated the land acquisition process for the much-anticipated Namma Metro Phase 3 project.
Two corridors
According to BMRCL officials, Phase 3 will consist of two corridors—Corridor 1 spanning 32.15 km from J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura, and Corridor 2 covering 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere. Multiple interchange stations will be developed along these routes, including Peenya and JP Nagar stations on the Green Line, Mysuru Road Station on the Purple Line, and Sumanahalli Station on the Hosahalli-Kadabagere corridor.
J. P. Nagar Phase 4 will also link with the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road, while Hebbal will serve as a crucial interchange for both the Blue Line, which connects to the airport, and the Red Line, which links Hebbal and Sarjapur.
26,811 sq.m. acquired
In the initial phase, BMRCL has already acquired and taken possession of 26,811 square meters of land, primarily for Corridor 1, which extends from J. P. Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road Metro Station.
For Corridor 1 alone, BMRCL has identified 1,29,743 square meters of land, involving 777 private properties. Officials said, “any additional land required for the project would be acquired in coordination with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The entire project has been designed to ensure minimal impact on existing infrastructure, including roads, flyovers, and underpasses.”
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Phase 3 outlines the construction of a double-decker viaduct, a feature that has contributed to the project’s delay due to modifications in planning. The estimated cost of the project stands at ₹15,611 crore, with ₹7,577 crore secured through loans and ₹450 crore expected from revenue streams such as advertising and station naming rights.
In addition to land acquisition, preliminary geotechnical investigations have commenced along Magadi Road. “A private company has undertaken soil testing, with the first phase covering the stretch from Mysuru Road Station to Kanteerava Studio Station, and the second phase extending from Hosahalli Station to Kadabagere Depot. Further studies will be conducted along other key stretches, including Kanteerava Studio to Kempapura and J. P. Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road,” the official added.
Phase 3 to be entirely elevated
Phase 3, also referred to as the Orange Line, will be entirely elevated, providing metro connectivity to the western side of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and underserved areas along Magadi Road. Slated for completion in 2029, the expansion is projected to accommodate 7.85 lakh passengers daily, extending Bengaluru’s metro network to 222.2 km.
Despite receiving all necessary statutory approvals, including clearance from the Union Cabinet in August 2024, the construction of Phase 3 has faced delays due to adjustments required for the double-decker viaduct. Officials said that the new design necessitates about 25% more land for station buildings due to increased height requirements and modifications for road-widening along the alignment.
Published – February 02, 2025 08:28 pm IST