Namma Metro‘s ambitious Phase 3 project has moved a step closer to securing final approval from the Centre after a fresh assessment found the corridor to be economically viable despite major design changes.
Fresh study clears major hurdle
According to official sources, a draft report by RITES Ltd has estimated the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of the 44.65-km project at 15.9 per cent, comfortably above the 14 per cent benchmark generally required for metro projects. The assessment comes after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs raised concerns over changes made to the original proposal.
The biggest change was the addition of a double-decker viaduct, which increased project costs by nearly ₹9,700 crore. The Karnataka government argued that the structure would help address Bengaluru’s growing traffic congestion while reducing the need for future road widening.
Double-decker plan under scrutiny
The Centre had questioned whether a flyover running alongside the metro alignment could affect ridership and the project’s overall socio-economic benefits. However, the latest RITES study concluded that the project remains financially and socially viable despite the modifications.
Officials indicated that the final report is expected to support the draft findings, paving the way for approval from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) board and subsequent central clearance.
Expansion plans gather momentum
Phase 3 includes a 32.5-km corridor from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road and a 12.15-km corridor from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has urged the Centre to expedite approvals for Phase 3A and revised costs for Phase 2. He has also sought support for five Regional Rapid Rail Transit System corridors connecting Bengaluru with Mysuru, Kanakapura, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur and Kolar.
