The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has confirmed that the completion of the city’s Phase 3A metro line, spanning 36.5 km from Sarjapur to Hebbal, is scheduled for 2031. Despite an 18-month delay, BMRCL successfully submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to the state government last week.
Sources within BMRCL said that the estimated cost of the project stands at Rs 26,405 crore, with plans encompassing 28 stations. Former Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai initially announced the route during his 2022-23 budget speech, setting an initial eight-month deadline for DPR submission, when the project was projected at Rs 16,000 crore. However, subsequent revisions have led to an increase in costs.
Reena Consulting was appointed by BMRCL to prepare the DPR, according to sources. The project will feature 11 stations across a 14.4-km underground stretch from Koramangala Second Block to Veterinary College, and another 17 stations along the 22.1 km elevated corridor extending from Sarjapur to Koramangala Second Block, including a tunnel section from Veterinary College to Hebbal.
Projections suggest that the new metro route will significantly boost BMRCL’s ridership, with anticipated daily passenger figures expected to reach 6.21 lakh by 2031, 7.2 lakh by 2041, 8.51 lakh by 2051, and 9.5 lakh by 2061.
Regarding environmental impact, it has been disclosed that around 5,400 trees will need to be felled for the project, with plans to transplant half of them to other locations. Additionally, Line 3A of the metro will feature eight interchanges strategically located at Sarjapur, Carmelaram, Ibluru, Agra, Dairy Circle, Shantinagar, KR Circle, and Hebbal.
