Bengaluru’s Metro Network To Expand 175 Km By 2026, Aiming For Seamless Citywide Access

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that Bengaluru will see 175 km of new metro lines added to its public transit network by 2026.

Currently, the city metro stands as India’s second longest operational metro network, spanning 73.81 kilometres, following the Delhi Metro.

Two operational corridors serve the city. The East-West Corridor stretches 43.49 kilometres, running from Whitefield Station in the east to Challagatta Terminal in the west.

The North-South Corridor covers 30.32 kilometres, with Nagasandra Station marking its northernmost point and Silk Institute Station situated at its southern end.

Speaking after inspecting the newly extended Nagasandra-Madavara line on Tumkur Road, Shivakumar revealed that 30 km of new lines are expected by 2025, with the ambitious target of 175 km slated for completion the following year.

The Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by MP Tejaswi Surya, Nelamangala MLA Srinivasaiah, and Dasarahalli MLA Muniraju, traveled from Yeshwanthpur to Madavara station to inspect the progress.

Shivakumar highlighted the project’s momentum, noting that Phases 1 and 2 are complete, and the Central Government has approved Phase 3. "We have allocated Rs 1,130 crore for new train sets," he added, , reports Hindustan Times.

The Nagasandra-Madavara extension, covering a 3-km stretch, is set to begin operations on an experimental basis tomorrow, with a formal inauguration featuring MPs and other dignitaries planned at a later date.

Additional infrastructure developments are in the pipeline to support this expansion, including a pedestrian skywalk at Manjunathanagar station and a collaborative project with Indian Railways for a pedestrian passage at Yeshwanthpur railway station.

An underpass at Chikkabidarakallu is being constructed in partnership with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and another underpass is proposed for Madavara station.

With Bengaluru metro ridership now the highest in India, the expansion is expected to make the city’s public transit system more accessible and efficient.

The green line now extends 33.46 km, while the purple line spans 40.5 km. “The metro’s growth underscores our commitment to urban mobility,” said Shivakumar, expressing gratitude to the Centre and all stakeholders involved in the project.