In a major development, India’s Urban Development Department has approved Phase 3A of the Namma Metro project, which will extend 37 kms to connect Hebbal with Sarjapur’s tech hub. The proposal now awaits Union Cabinet approval after a financial review of the detailed project report (DPR) to determine funding. Originally budgeted at Rs 165 billion for 2022-23, the estimated project cost has now increased to Rs 270 billion based on the DPR.
Following the Union Cabinet’s approval of Metro Phase 3 last August, this endorsement of Phase 3A marks the first central government-level approval for a project specifically aimed at reducing Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. In June of last year, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) submitted the DPR to the state government, which then forwarded it to the central government for further approval.
As outlined in the DPR, the project will feature 28 stations, with both underground and elevated sections. The elevated section will extend from Sarjapur to Koramangala 3rd Block, hosting 15 stations, while an underground route will connect the 3rd Block to the Veterinary College, with 11 stations planned. Additional elevated stations are also proposed at Ganga Nagar and Hebbal.
Meanwhile, discussions have taken place between the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and city development officials regarding the underground route planned in Hebbal, as the project advances toward its next phases.
