The Karnataka Cabinet has given the green light for the Phase 3A extension of the Bengaluru Metro, which will significantly enhance connectivity across the city. The 36.6 km line, running from Sarjapur in the east to Hebbal in the north, has been approved with an estimated cost of Rs 28,405 crore. This project is a vital part of the city’s efforts to expand and modernize its public transportation system, addressing the growing traffic concerns and boosting connectivity for commuters.
The Phase 3A line will consist of both elevated and underground stretches. A 22.1 km elevated corridor will feature 17 stations, while a 14.5 km underground stretch will have 11 stations. This new metro line will connect the bustling IT hub in east Bengaluru to the northern localities, enhancing access for workers, residents, and visitors alike. The metro line begins with an elevated section at Sarjapur and integrates with the Blue Line (Central Silk Board-Kempegowda International Airport) at Iblur. After passing through Koramangala, the line transitions underground at Dairy Circle, where it will intersect with the Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara). The underground portion will pass through the central business district (CBD), with stations at key locations like Town Hall, KR Circle, Basaveshwara Circle, and Golf Course. In these areas, the new line will be integrated with the existing Purple Line, offering seamless travel across the city. At Hebbal, a new station will be constructed, providing connections to the Blue Line and the Orange Line (Kempapura to JP Nagar). This integration will make it easier for commuters to switch lines, further streamlining travel through the city.
The Phase 3A line is a critical component of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan-2020, designed to improve urban mobility and ease congestion in key parts of Bengaluru. Following approval from the state government, the project will now be sent to the central government for further clearance, including the securing of loans for its implementation. While the approval marks a significant milestone for the Bengaluru Metro, past delays in the city’s metro projects have raised concerns. Phase 1, initially scheduled for completion in 2012, was fully commissioned only in 2017. Similarly, Phase 2, originally slated for completion by 2021, is still incomplete, with only 34.6 km of the 72 km line operational. These delays have led to cost escalations, and the Yellow Line, a 19 km stretch from RV Road to Bommasandra, has been waiting for commercial operations for over a year and a half. Nonetheless, Phase 3A represents an optimistic step toward resolving Bengaluru’s transportation challenges and enhancing its metro network.
