BMRCL to build ₹27,000-cr new metro lines in Bengaluru

Karnataka government has unveiled a plan to construct four new metro lines in Bengaluru, with a total cost of Rs 27,000 crore. These lines are intended to bring basic amenities within a 1-2 km radius of workplaces or residences by 2032, compared to the current 4-5 km radius. The four new metro lines will span a distance of 59 km and include an extension of the Whitefield line to Katamannalur or Hoskote (6 km) and Bannerghatta to Jigani (12 km), a new line between M G Road to Hope Farm junction via Old Airport Road, Marathahalli and Whitefield (16 km), and another new line between Kempegowda International Airport and Nagawara to Thanisandra (25 km).

The extension of the Whitefield line to Katamnallur/Hoskote (6 km) is estimated to cost ₹2,400 crore, while the Bannerghatta line to Jigani (12 km) is expected to cost ₹4,800 crore. The line from Old Airport Rd-M G Road to Hope Farm via Marathahalli and Whitefield (IT Corridor) (Underground) (16 km) is expected to cost ₹9,600 crore, and the Nagavara-BIAL via Thanisandra/Bhartiya City (25 km) line is estimated to cost ₹10,000 crore.

In addition to the new metro lines, the state government has plans to upgrade the existing fleet of BMTC buses, with the goal of converting to 100% electric buses by 2028 and adding 2,000 e-buses every year. The government is also planning to build 12 good life clusters under the ‘Live Work Play’ concept, which aims to shorten the distance between workplaces and residences.