The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved significant transportation infrastructure projects, including metro projects in three cities and the development of two airport facilities, with a total investment of nearly Rs 34,000 crore. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a recent Cabinet meeting.
Among the metro projects, the Phase-3 expansion of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project stands out. This phase includes two new corridors: the first corridor will span 32.15 km from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road West, featuring 21 stations; the second corridor will extend 12.50 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road, with 9 stations. The total cost for these corridors is estimated at Rs 15,611 crore. Once completed, Bengaluru will boast a metro network covering 220.20 km, significantly improving connectivity in underserved areas, including industrial and educational hubs, and enhancing last-mile connectivity through multi-modal integration.
The Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project is another major initiative, expected to cost Rs 12,200 crore. This 29-km corridor will circle the western side of Thane city, with 22 stations. The project aims to ease traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a sustainable transport option for thousands of daily commuters. It is anticipated to handle a daily ridership of up to 8.72 lakh passengers by 2045. The project will be executed by Maha Metro, with support from the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and international funding agencies.
In addition to the metro projects, the Cabinet approved the establishment of new civil enclaves at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and Bihta Airport in Patna, Bihar. The Bagdogra Airport project, costing Rs 1,549 crore, will feature a terminal building capable of handling 3,000 peak hour passengers, with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers. The facility will also include an apron for 10 parking bays suitable for A-321 type aircraft, and the terminal will emphasize environmental sustainability by incorporating renewable energy sources.
Similarly, the new civil enclave at Bihta, Patna, is estimated at Rs 1,413 crore. This project addresses the growing demand at Patna Airport, where further expansion is constrained by limited land availability. The new terminal at Bihta will span 66,000 sqm, with the capacity to handle 3,000 peak hour passengers and an annual capacity of 50 lakh passengers, expandable to one crore passengers in the future. The facility will also include an apron with 10 parking bays and two link taxiways, accommodating A-321/B-737-800/A-320 type aircraft.
