The central government has approved two important segments of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project, which entails phase 2A from Central Silk Board Junction to KR Puram and phase 2B from KR Puram to Airport via Hebbal Junction spanning a total length of 58 km. Total completion cost of the project is Rs 14,788 crore. The project will streamline the urban transportation system in Bengaluru, which is stressed due to intensive developments, increase in the number of private vehicles and heavy construction in the city, and provide the people with reliable and comfortable public transport. The project involves integration with other urban transport systems efficiently and effectively, which is possible only by adopting innovative methods of designing, technology and institutional management. Earlier in January, the six km long southern extension line under phase-2 of Namma Metro was flagged off. The line from Yelachenahalli to Silk Institute Metro stations was inaugurated by Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C) Hardeep Singh Puri and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. The phase-2 covers a route length of 74 km with 62 stations and consists of extensions to both Purple and Green lines of phase-1 in all four directions. The project is being implemented at a cost of Rs 30,695 crore. The extension has five new stations beyond Yelachenahalli Metro Station on the current operational line—Konanakunte Cross, Doddakallasandra, Vajarahalli, Thalaghattapura and Silk Institute. The metro corridor along the Kanakapura Road is set to connect residents with Majestic, Yeshwanthpur, Vijayanagar, MG Road and Baiyyappanahalli. Image Source Also read: B’luru metro: Bids invited for pending works on Pink Line Also read: Bengaluru suburban rail: 800 cr allocated, metro to be audited