The Central government has approved three major metro projects across Pune, Thane, and Bengaluru. This substantial investment, exceeding ₹30,000 crore, aims to bolster urban connectivity and enhance public transport infrastructure in these key cities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the cabinet meeting where the approval was granted for two significant corridors of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3. This ambitious extension, with an estimated cost of ₹15,611 crore, will add 44.65 kilometres of elevated railways to Bengaluru’s existing network. The two corridors approved are: Corridor-1, extending from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road West, covering 32.15 km with 22 stations; and Corridor-2, running from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road, spanning 12.50 km with 9 stations. Upon completion of Phase-3, Bengaluru will boast a comprehensive 220.20 km metro network.
This phase of expansion is poised to significantly enhance connectivity across the western regions of Bengaluru, including industrial areas like Peenya, IT hubs on Bannerghatta Road, and the Outer Ring Road. The project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and support sustainable urban transport solutions, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the Bangalore Metro project, the Cabinet has also approved the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project. This project, costing approximately Rs12,200.10 crore, will feature a 29-kilometre ring corridor around Thane’s western periphery, with 22 stations. The funding for this initiative will be equally split between the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, with additional support from bilateral agencies. These metro expansions are set to transform urban mobility in Thane and Bengaluru, providing efficient, eco-friendly transportation options and reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure across major Indian cities.
