Curation Team
BENGALURU: In a significant development for Bengaluru’s urban mobility, the board of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has approved the construction of 40.56 km of double-decker elevated corridors as part of the upcoming Namma Metro Phase-3 project.
The proposed double-decker stretches will run along the JP Nagar–Hebbal and Hosahalli–Kadabagere routes, covering a total length of 44.65 km.
The board is set to request that the Karnataka government bear the additional estimated cost of `8,916 crore for this ambitious infrastructure enhancement. A similar model has already been implemented on a 3-km stretch of Phase-2’s Yellow Line between Central Silk Board and Ragigudda at a cost of `450 crore, where metro trains operate above the elevated road. Encouraged by its success, the state has now decided to adopt the double-decker model for large parts of Phase-3.
Phase-3 of the metro was approved by the Centre in 2024, covering two major corridors: JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura (32.15 km) and Hosahalli to Kadabagere (12.5 km), with an estimated project cost of `15,611 crore. Although land acquisition for these corridors is already underway, the initial Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted to the Centre did not include the double-decker proposal. The state government has since revised the plan, considering the model a cost-effective solution to urban congestion and land acquisition challenges.
The double-decker design involves constructing two elevated layers — a road on the lower deck and metro rail on the upper deck — above the existing ground-level road.
The model minimises land acquisition and construction disruptions while improving multimodal connectivity.
To assess feasibility, BMRCL had commissioned a Hyderabad-based infrastructure consultancy firm. The firm has submitted a positive report, which has been vetted and approved by BMRCL. A detailed study has been conducted on the feasibility of double-decker structures from Sumanahalli Cross to Kadabagere and from JP Nagar Station to BDA Complex and Nagarabhavi Station. The scope includes station designs, lamp-post installations, and plans for depots and multimodal hubs near Peenya and Sumanahalli.
According to sources, the civil construction cost for the double-decker segment is projected at `26,368 crore, while land acquisition is expected to cost `2,548 crore. BMRCL is likely to approach the state government within the next two weeks to formally seek approval and financial commitment for the additional budget.
