Bengaluru to get double-decker flyovers for all upcoming Metro lines, total cost Rs 9,800 crore

Addressing a press conference after inspecting several spots in Bengaluru with officials from different departments, Shivakumar said, “A decision has been made to take necessary measures to address Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. This includes constructing double-decker roads along new Metro routes and implementing urban beautification projects. Double-decker flyovers will be compulsory along all the Metro routes.”

“The double-decker flyover between Ragigudda and Silkboard junctions has yielded positive results in terms of traffic management. We want to emulate the same for all upcoming Metro projects,” he added.

When asked how many double-decker roads would be constructed, he said, “All newly built Metro corridors will incorporate double-decker roads. The plan covers approximately 40 km. We are not just thinking about today but planning for the next 30-40 years. BBMP and BMRCL will share the cost in a 50:50 ratio.”

Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Phase-3 encompasses two primary corridors. Corridor 1 from JP Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura (32.15 km) will feature 22 elevated stations. Meanwhile, Corridor 2 from Hosahalli to Kadabagere (12.5 km) is an entirely elevated corridor that will include nine stations, enhancing connectivity in the western parts of Bengaluru.

The estimated cost for Phase-3 is Rs 15,611 crore, with completion targeted for 2029. Upon completion, it’s projected to serve approximately 7,85,000 passengers daily, expanding Bengaluru’s Metro network to a total length of 222.2 kilometres.

Parking spaces

Shivakumar also stressed that all upcoming Metro stations will have ample parking spaces. “In the future, Metro stations should have ample parking facilities. Currently, people park their vehicles on roadsides and private properties before using the Metro. Instructions have been given to prevent this. A major decision has been made to integrate double-decker road systems into Phase 3 of Metro construction. Road widening will become more difficult in the coming years, and increasing land acquisition costs necessitate such measures. I had considered implementing this for the airport Metro line, but since the pillars have already been installed, it is no longer feasible,” he explained.

‘No government intervention in Metro fare hike decision’

Meanwhile, Shivakumar stated that the Metro fare hike decision was taken by the fare hike committee constituted by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the state government did not interfere in it.

“The committee has already submitted its report on the Metro fare hike, and the Corporation has made a decision. I will not interfere in this matter or scrutinise the report,” he added.

Water tariff hike

When asked about the water tariff hike, he said, “The issue of increasing drinking water tariffs will be placed before the Cabinet. It has been 14 years since the last water tariff hike. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is incurring annual losses of Rs 1,000 crore, making the tariff hike inevitable. BWSSB has already submitted a report, which will be presented to the Cabinet.”

Greater Bengaluru

Asked if the announcement for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township would be made in the state budget, he responded, “A Cabinet meeting has already approved the construction of a township near Bidadi. Public feedback has been invited, and a multi-party committee… has gathered input from all Bengaluru MLAs. I have also suggested consulting the media for their opinions.”