The 287-kilometre circular rail network, at an estimated cost of ₹23,000 crore is designed to connect key regions on the city’s periphery.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is on track to finalise its extensive 197-km feasibility study by July 2025 and submit it to the Karnataka government for evaluation. Officials have confirmed that the feasibility study is currently being conducted across eight key corridors, including an extension of the Airport Line to Devanahalli, which was recently announced by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the State Budget.

Most of the eight new corridors being considered involve extending Namma Metro beyond city limits to Harohalli in Kanakapura taluk, Bidadi in Ramanagara district, Devanahalli in Bengaluru rural taluk, and even Tumakuru, championed by multiple ministers in the Congress government in the State, to benefit the areas they represent, but faced by strong objection from the opposition BJP.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has been advocating for the extension of the Namma Metro to Bidadi and Kanakapura, arguing that the move would spur industrial growth. Similarly, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has been pushing for the Metro network to be extended to Tumakuru. Devanahalli, to where the state budget announced extending Namma Metro to, is represented by senior Congress leader and Food and Civil Supplies Minister K. H. Muniyappa.

However, city BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya and P.C. Mohan have argued that Namma Metro should be limited to the city limits, as it is an expensive option and areas outside the city could be served by suburban rail and circular rail. The 287-kilometre circular rail network, at an estimated cost of ₹23,000 crore is designed to connect key regions on the city’s periphery, including Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, and Malur, thereby enhancing overall mobility.

Feasibility study

The study encompasses multiple proposed metro corridors across the region. One of the planned extensions runs from Challaghatta to Bidadi in Ramanagara district, covering a distance of 15 km. Another stretch, extending 24 km, will connect Silk Institute to Harohalli along Kanakapura Road. A significant 68-km corridor will span Kalena Agrahara, Bannerghatta National Park, Jigani, Anekal, Attibele, Sarjapur, Varthur, and Kadugodi Tree Park.

The feasibility study also includes an 11-km link between Bommasandra and Attibele and a substantial 52.41-km connection from Madavara to Tumakuru. Additionally, a 6-km extension from Kadabgere to Tavarakere, part of the Magadi Road line under Phase 3, is under review. Another proposed segment will extend from Doddajala to Devanahalli, covering 6 km as part of the Airport Line. Finally, a 15-km stretch linking K.R. Puram to Hoskote is also being examined.

If sanctioned, this expansion would considerably increase Bengaluru’s metro network, taking its total length to nearly 350 km in the coming years. Following this, the government will decide on the routes to be approved, with officials anticipating that approximately 50 per cent—around 95 km to 100 km—of the proposed network will be selected for development.

“The feasibility study is an extensive exercise, incorporating vital components such as traffic flow assessments, station location planning, cost evaluation, and sustainability considerations. Our goal is to ensure that the expansion meets Bengaluru’s long-term mobility needs while improving commuter convenience and efficiency,” said a senior BMRCL official.

BMRCL officials emphasised that completing the feasibility study is just the initial phase. “Once the study is submitted, the state government will scrutinise the findings and decide on the routes that will advance to the detailed project report (DPR) stage. Subsequent steps will include land acquisition, environmental approvals, comprehensive engineering surveys, and financial planning before moving toward actual construction and implementation,” a BMRCL official explained.