In a significant development, the Government of India’s Urban Development Department has granted approval for Namma Metro Phase 3A project, which will connect Hebbal to the Tech Hub in Sarjapur, covering a distance of 37 kilometres.
The next step involves the Union Cabinet approving the plan, following a review of the detailed project report (DPR) by the finance department to make funding decisions. The budget estimate for this project in 2022-23 was around Rs 16,500 crore, but following the detailed project report, the estimated cost has now risen to Rs 27,000 crore.
Last August, the Union Cabinet had given the green light for our Metro Phase 3 project. With the urban development department now approving the Phase 3A plan, our Metro officials state that this marks the first approval at the central government level for a project that will play a crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion.
In June of last year, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) submitted the DPR for this project to the state government, which then forwarded the details to the central government for approval.
According to the DPR, the project will feature a total of 28 stations, incorporating both underground and elevated sections. The elevated route will extend from Sarjapur to Koramangala 3rd Block, with plans for 15 stations in that section.
An underground route will connect the 3rd Block to the Veterinary College, featuring 11 stations, while elevated stations will also be present at Ganga Nagar and Hebbal. Sources indicate that discussions have taken place between the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the city development department due to the underground route planned in Hebbal.
The new route will include 28 stations, namely Sarjapur, Kada Agrahara Road, Somapura, Dommasandra, Muthanallur Cross, Ambedkar Nagar, Kodathi Gate, Carmelram, Doddakannalli, Kaikondarahalli, Bellandur Gate, Ibbluru, Agara, Jakasandra, Koramangala 3rd Block, Koramangala 2nd Block, Dairy Circle, Nimhans, Shantinagar, Town Hall, KR Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, Bangalore Golf Course, Palace Guttahalli, Mehkri Circle, Veterinary College, Gangannagar, and Hebbal. A depot will also be constructed in Sarjapur.
The BMRCL has proposed constructing a sports and cultural complex atop the underground Shivajinagar Metro station, modeled after metro stations abroad. The station is part of the 21-km Metro Pink Line between Nagawara and Kalena Agrahara, with most of the construction work nearing completion.
BMRCL officials have identified around 2.5 acres of space above the Shivajinagar station, which will be utilised to develop facilities for sports and cultural activities.
Sources said that the proposed complex will include facilities for indoor sports as well as cricket, football, basketball, and swimming. Additionally, there are plans to build a large auditorium to host cultural events.
In collaboration with BBMP, BMRCL intends to seek funding for the project. The proposal is currently in its preliminary stage, with the preparation of a DPR and cost estimates underway. The aim is to complete the construction within the next two to three years. The station will also provide direct access to the Shivajinagar bus station, enhancing connectivity for commuters.
