In a significant boost for Bengaluru’s transportation infrastructure, the Karnataka cabinet has granted approval for Phase 3A of the Namma Metro, which is also referred to as the Red Line. This new corridor will connect Sarjapur in the southeast to Hebbal in the north, spanning a total length of 36.59 kilometers.
Project Overview
The approved Red Line will enhance connectivity across the city, further integrating the IT hub in the eastern part of Bengaluru with northern areas. This phase will feature 28 stations—17 elevated and 11 underground—and include important interchange stations at Iblur, Agara, Dairy Circle, KR Circle, and Hebbal. The estimated construction cost is ₹28,405 crore, with the per-kilometer cost standing at ₹776 crore, making it the most expensive phase in Namma Metro’s history.
Construction Timeline and Funding
With the state cabinet’s nod, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) can now commence pre-construction activities, which include land acquisition, utility shifting, and initial design work. However, civil construction will not start until approval from the Union Cabinet is obtained, given that the central government holds a 50% equity stake in Namma Metro. The proposal will be forwarded to the Union Cabinet for review, with an expected decision by December 2025 or earlier. The project aims for operational status by 2031, with a completion timeline of approximately five and a half years.
Funding for the Phase 3A project includes ₹10,485 crore from bilateral and multilateral agencies, while the Karnataka and Union governments will contribute through equity, land acquisition costs, and GST reimbursements. Among the expenses, land acquisition is estimated at ₹5,000 crore, which will be wholly funded by the Karnataka government.
Key Features of the Red Line
As detailed in the project, 14.44 kilometers will be underground—reduced from the originally proposed 17 kilometers—thanks to the revised Detailed Project Report prepared by RINA Consulting SpA. The line will start with an elevated section in Sarjapur, integrate with the Blue Line (Central Silk Board-Kempegowda International Airport) at Iblur, and will feature an underground stretch as it approaches Koramangala. It will also intersect with the Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara) at Dairy Circle.
Development of Additional Lines
In addition to the Red Line, the BMRCL is gearing up for the launch of the highly anticipated Namma Metro Yellow Line, slated to open in late January 2025. This 19.15-kilometer line will connect RV Road to Bommasandra and will utilize advanced driverless trains equipped with state-of-the-art signaling, traction, and braking systems, with an investment of ₹5,745 crore.
Conclusion
The approval of Bengaluru’s Metro Phase 3A is a crucial first step in expanding the city’s metro network, which will grow to a total of 258.79 kilometers upon completion. With enhanced connectivity and advanced infrastructure, the project is expected to significantly improve public transportation options for the residents of Bengaluru.
