Bengaluru Hebbal Sarjapur Metro Project Cost Reduced By ₹2,920 Crore
Bengaluru’s long-awaited Hebbal–Sarjapur Metro line, part of Namma Metro’s Phase 3A expansion, has seen a major cost correction after a comprehensive international audit. The project’s estimated cost has been reduced by almost ₹2,920 crore from ₹28,405 crore to ₹25,485 crore following a detailed financial and technical evaluation led by a global consultancy firm.
According to senior officials, the recalibration came after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) sought clarifications on the project’s underground construction expenses, which appeared higher than similar metro corridors across India. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) subsequently commissioned a review by the French consultancy SYSTRA to optimise cost and design parameters.
The 37-kilometre line, connecting Hebbal in the north to Sarjapur in the southeast, is one of the most ambitious links planned for Bengaluru’s next phase of metro expansion. It will traverse the Central Business District, Koramangala, and other dense commercial and residential hubs. The corridor will feature 28 stations—17 elevated and 11 underground without altering the total route length despite the cost reduction.Officials involved in the review said the optimisation focused on station design, alignment simplification, and rationalisation of underground segments. The underground stretch now extends to 14.63 kilometres, while the elevated section has been trimmed slightly to 21.995 kilometres. The revision reflects a more realistic assessment of land acquisition needs and construction costs, aligning the project with current market benchmarks.
Experts point out that such cost recalibrations not only streamline project economics but also strengthen the case for sustainable mobility investment. The Hebbal–Sarjapur line is seen as a crucial step towards reducing the city’s road congestion and cutting vehicular emissions, particularly in high-traffic corridors like Koramangala and Indiranagar.The project, cleared by the Karnataka government in late 2024, is now awaiting the Union Cabinet’s approval. Officials said the central nod is expected anytime after November, with final clearances likely by March 2026. Meanwhile, BMRCL has initiated tenders worth ₹6.86 crore for geotechnical investigations under Phase 3A, signalling progress on preliminary works.
Funding will follow the standard Namma Metro model: 20 per cent each from the Centre and the State, while the remaining 60 per cent will be sourced through international loans and other external borrowings.Urban planners believe that the timely completion of this corridor could be a game-changer for Bengaluru’s sustainable transport agenda. With optimised costs and improved design efficiency, the Hebbal–Sarjapur line may emerge as a blueprint for future metro projects across India combining cost discipline, sustainability, and commuter convenience.
