Bengaluru Metro’s Big Leap: 175 km of New Lines Coming Soon! Here’s What to Expect
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that approximately 30 km of new metro lines will be available for public use by 2025, with an ambitious 175 km expansion slated for completion by 2026.
On Wednesday, Shivakumar personally inspected the trial run of the extended metro route on the Green Line, stretching from Nagasandra to Madavara on Tumakuru Road. Accompanied by dignitaries including MP Tejasvi Surya, Nelamangala MLA Srinivasayya, and Dasarahalli MLA Muniraju, the Deputy CM took a symbolic journey from Yeshwantpur to Madavara, gathering updates from BMRCL officials. He later addressed the press at Madavara Metro Station.
Green Signal for Metro Phase 3
“The procurement of 21 new trains, costing ₹1,130 crore, is underway, with funds now allocated for this expansion. Phases 1 and 2 have been successfully completed, and we’ve secured the Central Government’s nod for Phase 3,” Shivakumar affirmed.
Enhanced Pedestrian Access with Overpasses and Underpasses
A pedestrian overpass is in the works at Manjunath Nagar Station to facilitate safe crossing. In collaboration with Indian Railways, Metro officials are also setting up overpasses at Yeshwantpur Station to streamline public transit, the Deputy CM disclosed.
Further, an underpass is planned near Chikkabidarakallu Station in partnership with the National Highways Authority, with additional discussions ongoing for a similar project at Madavara.
Shivakumar remarked, “Visitors traveling to Bengaluru via Tumakuru Road can use the International Exhibition Grounds parking facilities and access the metro, thereby avoiding city traffic and accomplishing their tasks more efficiently.”
Official Inauguration on the Horizon
The newly extended 3 km line from Nagasandra to Madavara, connecting the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre, has commenced trial operations. Reflecting on his past tenure as Urban Development Minister, Shivakumar noted that he had endorsed the Exhibition Centre project during his previous term. An official inauguration with all MPs and representatives is anticipated soon.
The existing metro network, with the Green Line extending 33.46 km and the Purple Line at 40.5 km, exemplifies significant progress in urban infrastructure, Shivakumar asserted. He expressed gratitude to the Central Government, various stakeholders, and particularly the citizens of Bengaluru for their contributions to this expansion.
Bengaluru Metro Leads in Ridership
Shivakumar emphasized Bengaluru Metro’s high commuter usage, noting, “The city’s 76.95 km network accommodates more daily commuters than metros in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, underscoring the value it provides to Bengaluru’s citizens.”
Asked about potential metro extensions to Nelamangala and Tumakuru, Shivakumar responded, he would speak about this at some other time.
In response to a question regarding a letter from legislators to Mallikarjun Kharge on Wakf property, he remarked, “I am not aware of the specifics.”
Addressing Allegations of Misuse of Power
On the Lokayukta inquiry into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar remarked, “Though he could have requested a deferment, he attended the inquiry, showing respect for the law.” Responding to opposition claims regarding the brevity of Siddaramaiah’s inquiry, he suggested the query be directed to the Lokayukta office.
Political Tinge to Complaint Against Minister Timmapur
When asked about bar owners’ complaints to the Governor against Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur, Shivakumar noted that while anyone may lodge complaints, this particular issue appears politically motivated.
Legal Actions to Follow Suicide Case
Addressing the recent suicide involving a close aide of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar in Belagavi, he stated that law enforcement would act as per legal norms.
