In a significant development towards ensuring extensive metro rail connectivity in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government has proposed a new metro route from Hebbal and Sarjapur. The 37 kilometre metro corridor at an estimated cost of Rs 150 billion was announced in the latest state budget presented a few days ago. The proposal of the metro line connecting Sarjapur to Hebbal through Agara, Koramangala and Dairy circle is in initial stage and is submitted before the union government for approval. The new metro line will cut down the travel time between the two locations and is expected to reduce the traffic congestion. Probable route and stations in this area are Sarjapur, Sompura, Dommasandra Circle, Muthanallur Cross, Sulikunte, SEZ Kodathi, Wirpo, Carmelaram, Doddakannelli Gate, Kaikondrahalli, Bellandur Gate, Ibbalur, Agara, Jakkasandra, Koramangala, St Johns Road, Suddaguntepalya, Dairy circle, Nimhans, Wilson Garden, Town Hall, Central college, Basaveshwara circle, Cunningham Road, Palace Guttahalli, Mekhri circle, Gangenahalli, Veterinary college and Hebbal. The government also announced in the assembly that Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) will be expanding the metro network bt 100 kilometres in the coming fiscal year. The recently lines include lines from Baiyappanahalli to Krishnarajapura, Kengeri to Challaghatta, Nagasandra to Modawara, and RV road to Bommasandra. “The total addition of new lines by the end of 2024 will be 27 km. Further, in the next three years, the metro network will be increased from 70 km to 176 km i.e, 2.5 times the present network coverage. The ongoing work of the airport metro line will be expedited and it will be operationalized by 2026,” the budget document reads. In total, the Karnataka government allocated a whopping amount of Rs 300 billion for the Namma metro. See also: PMC considers approval of Khadakwasla to Hadapsar Metro Route