The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has been allotted only 9 acres of land for the proposed multimodal transit hub at Hebbal, far less than the 15 acres it had originally sought. This shortfall may significantly constrain the project’s scope, which aimed to streamline the integration of metro, railway, and road transport systems at one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The proposed transit hub at Hebbal was envisioned as a crucial interchange where the upcoming Airport Metro Line (Blue Line) and the Outer Ring Road (ORR) Line would converge with Indian Railways and BMTC services. BMRCL had submitted a detailed proposal seeking 15 acres from the Railways to accommodate essential infrastructure such as metro platforms, access roads, parking facilities, and commercial spaces. However, officials confirmed that Indian Railways has granted only 9 acres. Transport planners had anticipated a seamless experience for passengers, particularly those commuting to Kempegowda International Airport or crossing between the city’s northern and eastern corridors. The hub was also expected to play a pivotal role in decongesting traffic at Hebbal junction and enhancing last-mile connectivity for thousands of daily commuters.
With the reduced land availability, BMRCL is now re-evaluating the design of the hub to fit within the constrained space. Officials stated that although the project will proceed, its scale and design may have to be modified. Key amenities such as a multi-level car park, integration with the Suburban Railway, and commercial development might face limitations due to the smaller footprint. Experts in urban transport have raised concerns that the truncated land allocation could impact long-term capacity and commuter convenience. Given Bengaluru’s growing population and transport needs, they stress the importance of adequate infrastructure planning for such high-traffic interchanges.
Also Watch: “Mumbai will rock, shine and always be India’s best city to live.” In an exclusive, MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS) talks about Mumbai’s enduring charm, livability, and the government’s focus on making it affordable for all
Despite the setback, BMRCL is moving forward with construction plans. Tenders for civil works are expected to be floated soon, with timelines for the Blue Line and ORR Line remaining unchanged. The Hebbal metro station is likely to become operational in the later stages of Phase 2B and Phase 3 of the Bengaluru Metro expansion. Authorities are also in talks with other civic and transport agencies to explore collaborative solutions that could help ease the space constraints, such as coordinated land use or vertical infrastructure.
The success of the Hebbal multimodal hub remains vital to Bengaluru’s vision of an integrated, sustainable urban transport network, especially as the city prepares for rapid transit growth in the coming years.
Bengaluru Metro Allotted Just 9 Acres for Hebbal Multimodal Transit Hub Project
