Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) aims to complete the 197-km feasibility study by July 2025 and submit it to the State government for consideration. The government will then decide which routes to approve, with expectations that around 50 per cent of the proposed routes—approximately 95 km to 100 km—will be selected. This expansion would increase the total Metro network to nearly 350 km in the future.

The on-going feasibility study is comprehensive, covering aspects such as traffic analysis, station planning, cost estimation, and sustainability. It is designed to be as detailed as a Detailed Project Report (DPR), with the only exception being the absence of a Geo-technical survey. As a result, once the feasibility study is completed, preparing the DPR is expected to require minimal additional effort, primarily incorporating a few additional elements.

BMRCL is currently working towards making the Yellow Line operational within the next two to three months. This 19.15-km corridor runs from R V Road to Bommasandra. Following this, the Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara and the Blue Line, which consists of the Silk Board to K R Pura and K R Pura to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), are set for completion by 2026.

Phase 3 of the Metro expansion has been approved by both the State and Central governments. It includes two corridors: Kempapura to JP Nagar IV Phase along the Outer Ring Road (32.15 km) and Kadabgere to Hosahalli via Magadi Road (12.5 km). Land acquisition for these projects has commenced. Meanwhile, Phase 3A, spanning 36.59 km from Sarjapur to Hebbal, is still awaiting approval from the Central government.

News source: New Indian Express