Bengaluru Metro to Add 143 Kilometres, Revolutionising Connectivity
Bengaluru’s metro network is poised for a significant expansion in the coming years, with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) planning to add an additional 143 kilometres to the existing network by 2029. This ambitious development plan will introduce six new metro routes and 95 stations, drastically enhancing the city’s infrastructure and capacity to cater to its growing population. The extension of the metro system is projected to not only ease the city’s perennial traffic congestion but also play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable urban mobility.
At present, Bengaluru’s metro network covers approximately 77 kilometres, with key routes like the Whitefield-Challaghatta Purple Line (43.49 km) and the Nagasandra-Silk Institute Green Line (33.5 km). With the approval of Phase 3, the state government is committed to expanding the network significantly. This includes the launch of two major lines, the Blue Line and the Pink Line, both of which are expected to be operational by late 2026. Additionally, the Yellow Line, connecting the Electronic City, will commence operations by March or April 2025, marking a milestone in the city’s ongoing infrastructural overhaul.
As of now, the Phase 2 extensions of the Blue and Pink Lines are already under construction. The Blue Line, which spans 58.19 kilometres, will stretch from Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapuram and eventually connect to Kempegowda International Airport. The Pink Line, covering 21.26 kilometres, will link south and north Bengaluru. BMRCL reports that civil works for the Blue Line have reached 45% completion, while track installations are underway, including a 10% completion between the Outer Ring Road and the airport. The Pink Line’s tunnelling work is well underway, with 13 kilometres already completed, providing a significant boost to the city’s connectivity.
The Phase 3 expansion, with an investment of Rs 15,611 crore, introduces the Orange Line, which will add two new corridors. These are designed to serve both the eastern and western suburbs of Bengaluru, improving accessibility to critical areas such as the IT corridors and industrial zones. The planned JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura and Hosahalli to Kadabagere corridors will provide crucial access to areas currently underserved by public transport. The 143 kilometres of new tracks and 95 stations will provide essential connectivity, easing traffic congestion that has long plagued Bengaluru’s road network.
From a sustainability perspective, Bengaluru’s metro expansion is a significant leap forward. The introduction of the metro network’s new routes aligns with the city’s long-term sustainability goals, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and curbing carbon emissions. With an estimated daily ridership of 2.5 lakh passengers for the Yellow Line, 5 lakh for the Pink Line, and over 7 lakh for both the Blue and Orange Lines, the metro system is expected to take a substantial number of private vehicles off the road. This shift will not only reduce road congestion but also lower the city’s overall carbon footprint, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional modes of transport. Moreover, with the city facing rapid urbanisation and growing air pollution levels, the expansion of the metro network is essential in building a more sustainable future.
As Bengaluru moves towards a more connected and eco-friendly future, the metro’s expansion will also address pressing civic concerns. Public transport, particularly metro systems, are key to managing urban growth effectively, ensuring that cities like Bengaluru can cater to their expanding populations without overwhelming infrastructure or the environment. By prioritising sustainable transportation options and expanding access to crucial parts of the city, Bengaluru’s metro project is setting a precedent for other rapidly developing cities in India.
