The Karnataka Government is pushing for Central Government approval of two key phases of the Bangalore Metro Rail project. Phase three, costing INR 15,611 crore, awaits Union Urban Development Ministry clearance, while Phase 3A, the 37 km Hebbal-Sarjapur line, estimated at INR 28,405 crore, needs final approval despite state government consent. Additionally, the government seeks approval for the Mekedatu drinking water project and the development of Bangalore International Airport into an Air Cargo Complex. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also emphasized the need to upgrade state highways and complete various infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and economic growth across Karnataka.
The Karnataka State Government is actively seeking Central Government approval for two vital phases of the Bangalore Metro Rail project, emphasizing the urgency of expediting this process. Phase three of the metro project, estimated to cost INR 15,611 crore, has already received approval from the Public Investment Board and is awaiting final clearance from the Union Urban Development Ministry. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has highlighted the importance of this project and confirmed that all necessary documentation is prepared for Central Government review, following a meeting and recommendation in May 2024.
Additionally, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has submitted the detailed project report (DPR) for Phase 3A, the Hebbal-Sarjapur metro line, to the state government. This 37 km corridor, projected to cost INR 28,405 crore, will include 17 stations, with 11 elevated and 6 underground. The cost per kilometer for Phase 3A has increased to INR 768 crore, raising concerns compared to previous phases (INR 334.11 crore in Phase 1, INR 408.93 crore in Phase 2, and INR 254.13 crore in Phases 2A and 2B). Despite state government approval, the final clearance from the Central Government is pending, which may include suggested modifications.
The timeline for these projects hinges on Central Government approval, with BMRCL projecting completion within a year after receiving the green light. Key interchanges at Ibblur, Dairy Circle, KR Circle, and Hebbal will be crucial for urban connectivity. Notably, land acquisition costs of INR 9,950 crore form a significant portion of Phase 3A's expenses, shared between the state and central governments. The ongoing negotiation and approval process highlights the challenges of executing large-scale urban infrastructure projects amidst rising costs and logistical complexities.
The Karnataka government is also seeking approval for the Mekedatu drinking water project and the development of Bangalore International Airport into an Air Cargo Complex. The Mekedatu project, aimed at providing 67 TMC of water to Bangalore and surrounding areas, has been pending since 2018 and requires clearance from the Union Environment Ministry. The airport proposal, submitted in June 2024, aims to boost economic growth through enhanced export infrastructure.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has highlighted the urgent need to address issues concerning the declaration of 39 'in-principle approved roads' as National Highways, totaling 5225 kilometers. Emphasizing the importance of upgrading state highways with high traffic volumes to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce congestion, he highlighted specific proposals, including a tunnel on NH-75 to improve Mangaluru-Bengaluru connectivity, a flyover at Manipal Hospital junction on NH-275, and nine grade separators along NH-275K in Mysore Ring Road.
Additionally, Siddaramaiah has emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements, such as an elevated corridor in Belagavi City along the old NH-4 and a cable car service for Gokak Falls in Belagavi District. Enhancing roads connecting Kittur town to Bailhongal town and constructing bypasses for Kalburgi and Raichur are also crucial for regional connectivity. Moreover, widening the Belur-Chikkamagaluru Section on NH-373 to four lanes and making one-time improvements on NH-150A within Challakere town limits are vital for enhancing traffic flow and safety. He also stressed the importance of widening NH-766 to four or six lanes from the Kerala/Karnataka border to Kollegal via Gundlupet, Nanjangud, and Mysuru, and upgrading in-principle approved state roads to National Highways to meet growing transportation demands efficiently. These proposals aim to address critical infrastructure needs, support economic development, and improve connectivity across Karnataka, enhancing the overall quality of transportation and facilitating smoother movement of goods and people throughout the region.
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