Bengaluru is set to witness a landmark infrastructure project as the Karnataka cabinet has cleared the ₹9,700-crore double-decker viaduct plan under Metro Phase 3. The approval paves the way for civil works to begin in early 2025, after months of delay.
Two Key Corridors Identified
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will construct elevated metro lines stacked above flyovers across two crucial corridors:
- JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura (ORR stretch): 28.486 km flyover, the longest in Bengaluru.
- Hosahalli to Kadabagere (Magadi Road): 8.635 km flyover.
Together, these double-decker viaducts will cover 37.121 km, combining metro and roadway facilities — a first for the city.
Funding and Costs
The total cost of ₹9,700 crore includes civil works, land acquisition, and design expenses. Funding will be shared as follows:
- Union government: Metro component only
- State government: 50% of flyover cost
- Urban local bodies: 10% contribution
- Loans: 40% to be raised through borrowings
The state has already earmarked ₹4,000 crore in the 2025–26 budget for Namma Metro, part of which will support this initiative.
Delays and Revised Timeline
Originally planned as a 44.65 km project, the viaduct length has been revised to 37.121 km. The double-decker design, though innovative, has caused delays, pushing completion by six months. Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 is now expected to be operational by May 2031, compared to the earlier 2030 deadline. The revised cost is also 5% higher than the previous ₹15,611 crore estimate.
What’s Next?
Tenders for the first four packages, including stations and viaducts, will be floated in September 2025. Contractors will get 45–60 days for submission, with finalisation expected by mid-November. If all goes as planned, groundwork could begin in January 2025.
This project is expected to significantly decongest Bengaluru’s roads, improve connectivity, and set a precedent for innovative metro-road integration in India.
