Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Phase 3 has encountered another land acquisition hurdle, with the Karnataka Government issuing a notification to acquire 170 properties spread across 13,409.05 square metres for the Orange Line project.
The land is required for constructing the metro viaduct, ramps, pillars, stations and other related infrastructure between JP Nagar 4th Phase and Mysuru Road Metro Station. The acquisition covers locations including Bilekahalli, Sarakki, Jaraganahalli, Kadirenahalli, Katriguppe, Ittamadu, Hosakerehalli and Pantharapalya.
The notification forms part of Package 1 of the project and is the third land acquisition notification issued for Namma Metro Phase 3. The package includes stations at JP Nagar, Dwarakanagar, Hosakerehalli, Kadirenahalli and Kamakya. The process is being carried out through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board.
Property owners have been warned not to sell, lease or exchange the notified properties without permission from the Special Land Acquisition Officer. According to the notification, unauthorised transactions will not be considered while determining compensation.
The latest acquisition requirement follows an earlier BMRCL exercise that identified buildings and properties spread across approximately 1.33 lakh square metres for complete or partial demolition along the Phase 3 alignment. BMRCL had appointed consultants at a cost of Rs 5.4 crore to assess land requirements and identify structures that could obstruct construction across three project packages.
That survey identified 342 buildings between Hosahalli and Kadabagere, 339 buildings between Mysuru Road Metro Station and Kottigepalya, and 406 structures between Sumanahalli and Kempapura. The structures may be fully or partially affected by the metro works.
Namma Metro Phase 3 will comprise two corridors: JP Nagar to Kempapura and Kadabagere to Hosahalli. The Union Government approved the project two years ago, but construction was delayed amid a proposal to build a double-decker metro corridor along the route.
The government has since decided against constructing the double-decker structure across the entire 37-km alignment. Instead, the structure will be used on stretches where it is considered necessary, covering approximately 11 km.
The delay has increased the project’s financial burden. The original estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore is expected to rise by around 5 per cent, according to the report. The project’s land requirements therefore remain closely linked to both construction readiness and cost control.
Transport experts cited in the report have called for the acquisition process to be completed quickly, followed by tenders and the start of construction. They have also sought clear interim deadlines and regular monitoring to prevent further escalation.
Before construction of the Orange Line can proceed fully, authorities must complete the acquisition of the identified properties and address the wider impact on structures along the Phase 3 alignment.
