Bengaluru Namma Metro Expansion Plan Moves Forward
In a significant development for Bengaluru’s ever-expanding suburbs, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has directed Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for extending the Orange Line (Phase 3) of Namma Metro from Kadabagere to Tavarekere village. This extension, long demanded by local residents, is poised to address a crucial gap in public transportation in semi-urban areas such as Seegehalli Gate, Channenahalli, and Tavarekere, all of which are witnessing rapid urbanisation. The extension would not only reduce commute times but also elevate the public transport options in an area that has long been underserved.
The second corridor of the Orange Line, which spans 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road, features nine stations, but for the residents of Tavarekere and its neighbouring villages, this has not been enough. As these areas undergo a transformation, with an increase in population and real estate development, the lack of a reliable public transport system has become a pressing issue. Ravi Kumar, a resident of Tavarekere, highlighted the daily struggle many face: “If the metro reaches Tavarekere, it will change our lives, making travel more predictable and lessening our reliance on buses and private vehicles.”
The lack of efficient public transportation has become a hindrance to the economic and social development of these suburbs, and the demand for metro connectivity has intensified in recent years. As more people move into Tavarekere and nearby areas, working professionals often commute to industrial hubs like Peenya, where connectivity is critical. “The metro service would drastically reduce our travel time, making it much more convenient for those of us who work in industrial zones,” said Manjunath R., a resident of Channenahalli. The real estate boom in these areas further underscores the need for better connectivity, as more residential complexes emerge to accommodate the growing population.
A major proponent of this extension, Yeshwantpur MLA S.T. Somashekar, has been actively advocating for the project. He wrote to Shivakumar, requesting the extension of the Orange Line, after hearing from constituents about the lack of adequate transportation. In response, the Deputy Chief Minister has now directed BMRCL to begin preparations for the DPR, a significant step towards realising this much-needed expansion. The Orange Line extension will not only benefit Tavarekere but also other surrounding villages, further fostering economic growth and social integration in this rapidly developing part of Bengaluru.
Sustainability is a key consideration in the planned metro expansion, as it aligns with Bengaluru’s broader vision of reducing traffic congestion and promoting eco-friendly modes of transport. Phase 3 of Namma Metro, when completed, will see an extension of 44.65 km to the city’s metro network, bringing the total coverage to 220.2 km. By encouraging the use of public transport over private vehicles, the metro is expected to help reduce the city’s carbon footprint, decrease traffic congestion, and improve air quality. As cities like Bengaluru continue to grow, the implementation of efficient and sustainable public transport systems becomes more crucial for creating livable, environmentally friendly urban spaces.
