Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has launched the land acquisition process for the highly anticipated Namma Metro Phase 3, a major step towards expanding Bengaluru's metro network. This phase will include two primary corridors that will enhance connectivity across the city.

Corridors and Key Interchanges

Phase 3 will feature Corridor 1, a 32.15 km stretch from J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura, and Corridor 2, covering 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere. Both corridors will integrate several key interchange stations, such as Peenya and JP Nagar stations on the Green Line, Mysuru Road Station on the Purple Line, and Sumanahalli Station on the Hosahalli-Kadabagere corridor. Furthermore, the project will connect the J.P. Nagar Phase 4 area with the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road and offer crucial interchange connectivity at Hebbal, which links the Blue Line (airport) and the Red Line (Hebbal to Sarjapur).

Land Acquisition Underway

BMRCL has already acquired 26,811 square meters of land in the first phase, mainly for Corridor 1, stretching from J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road Metro Station. For this corridor, the corporation has identified 1,29,743 square meters, involving 777 private properties. The land acquisition process is being coordinated with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to minimize disruption to existing infrastructure such as roads, flyovers, and underpasses.

Project Cost and Financing

The total cost of Namma Metro Phase 3 is estimated at Rs 156.11 billion (approximately USD 1.88 billion). Funding will come from a combination of loans amounting to Rs 75.77 billion (about USD 900 million) and Rs 450 crore (around USD 54 million) in expected revenue from sources like advertising and station naming rights.

Geotechnical Investigations and Construction Details

As part of the preparatory work, BMRCL has begun geotechnical investigations along Magadi Road, including soil testing in two phases. The first phase covers the stretch from Mysuru Road Station to Kanteerava Studio Station, while the second phase extends from Hosahalli Station to Kadabagere Depot. Further studies will continue on other critical stretches.

The project will feature a double-decker viaduct, a significant design element that has contributed to the delay of the project due to necessary planning modifications. The new design requires about 25% more land for station buildings and adjustments for road widening along the route.

Projected Completion and Capacity

Set to be completed by 2029, Namma Metro Phase 3, also known as the Orange Line, will be entirely elevated. The extension will bring metro connectivity to the western side of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and previously underserved areas along Magadi Road. The expanded network is expected to serve 7.85 lakh passengers daily, raising Bengaluru’s metro coverage to 222.2 km.

Despite delays caused by adjustments to the viaduct design, BMRCL remains on track to deliver a major upgrade to the city’s public transport infrastructure.