Bengaluru's Rs 28,405-Crore Sarjapur-Hebbal Metro Line Moves Closer To Reality

In a significant boost to Bengaluru’s urban transport network, the Karnataka State Cabinet has approved the long-awaited Sarjapur-Hebbal Metro line via Koramangala and Mekhri Circle (Phase 3A).

This critical infrastructure project promises to enhance north-south connectivity through the city’s central business district, integrating with eight other transit modes along the route.

The Sarjapur-Hebbal Metro line, first announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his budget speech on 7 July, 2023, was initially projected to cost Rs 16,000 crore. However, a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted two months ago increased the estimate to Rs 28,405 crore due to design adjustments and expanded infrastructure needs.

Commuters have welcomed the project for its potential to transform the city’s public transport landscape, though it remains far from realization.

Despite the state government’s approval, the project requires several layers of central government clearances before construction can begin. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirmed that the DPR will be reviewed by the Centre’s Institute of Urban Transportation and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

After incorporating their feedback, the DPR will be forwarded to ten key central departments, including NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Railways, Civil Aviation, Environment, Economic Affairs, and Statistics, reports Financial Express.

Officials estimate the clearance process will take six to twelve months, with the earliest possible approval expected by June 2025. However, the process could extend to December 2025, depending on the speed of reviews and approvals.

Sources familiar with the project cited alignment changes and station design revisions as reasons for delays in submitting the DPR.

The DPR, prepared by RINA Consultancy for BMRCL, faced challenges due to intersections with other city infrastructure projects, including BBMP’s elevated corridor and tunnel project. “Resolving these conflicts required several rounds of discussions,” a senior official said.

Additionally, the design of the Hebbal terminal station underwent major revisions. Initially planned as an underground station, it was reconfigured as an elevated station to accommodate multiple converging infrastructure projects. The availability of government-owned land from the Air Force station to Hebbal further influenced this decision, reducing the need for private land acquisition.

Once operational, the Sarjapur-Hebbal Metro line is expected to significantly ease Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion, offering seamless connectivity across key city hubs.