In Bengaluru, steel veins weave through the city, carrying the pulse of millions and promising a smoother journey for all.
Bengaluru Leads South India with Largest Metro Network, 121 km Under Construction
As per the data shared by the Central Government in the Lok Sabha, Bengaluru currently boasts the largest metro rail network in South India, with 96 km of operational lines and 121 km under construction. This reflects the rapid metro expansion nationwide, with India operating 1,083 km of metro and RRTS corridors across 25 cities, alongside numerous new projects under development.
South Indian states collectively have 247.68 km of operational metro lines and 251.36 km under construction. Karnataka leads the region, with Bengaluru alone accounting for 96.1 km of operational metro and 121.16 km under development. Tamil Nadu follows with 119 km under construction, while Kerala has 11.2 km in progress.
Bengaluru’s Metro Expansion and E-Bus Plan to Transform Urban Mobility
Bengaluru’s upcoming corridors include the Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara–Nagawara, 21 km, full scale by Dec 2026), Blue Line 1 (Silk Board–K.R. Puram, 19 km by 2027), Blue Line 2 (K.R. Puram–Hebbal, 11 km by 2027), Blue Line 3 (Hebbal–Bengaluru Airport, 27 km by May 2027), Orange Line (Kempapura–J.P. Nagar, 32 km by 2029), and Grey Line (Hosahalli–Kadabagere Cross, 12 km by 2030). Once operational, these corridors are expected to reduce congestion and reliance on private vehicles.
Under the 2017 Metro Rail Policy, cities with populations over 2 million can propose mass transit projects based on Comprehensive Mobility Plans to ensure sustainable and financially viable development. Complementing metro expansion, the Centre’s PM e-Bus Sewa scheme will deploy 10,000 air-conditioned electric buses nationwide, enhancing last-mile connectivity and eco-friendly urban transport.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs notes that metro project approvals are complex, capital-intensive, and dependent on funding, feasibility studies, and Centre–state coordination, preventing fixed timelines for new projects.
As steel tracks carve paths through the city, they promise not just movement, but a future where urban life flows with rhythm and ease.
Summary
Bengaluru leads South India with 96 km of operational metro and 121 km under construction. South Indian states collectively have 247.68 km operational and 251.36 km under development. Upcoming lines aim to ease congestion, while the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme improves last-mile connectivity. Metro expansion follows the 2017 policy, ensuring sustainable, financially viable urban transport solutions.
