Bengaluru Metro Phase-III Criticised For Omitting Marathahalli-Hosakerehalli, Iblur-Hebbal Routes

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BTMC) has received criticism for its Namma Metro Phase-III plans from various quarters, Economic Times has reported.

The project which covers a total distance of 83.2 km network does not cover Marathahalli to Hosakerehalli and Iblur to Hebbal routes, the two significant stretches which were part of the original plan proposed for Phase II-A and Phase-III in 2013.

The 21.31 km Hosakerehalli-Marathahalli line and the 20 km Iblur-Hebbal stretch were to pass through the city providing Metro connectivity to important areas such as the Inner Ring Road, Koramangala, South East Bengaluru and the Old Airport Road.

The controversial Phase III elevated corridor which has five lines, covers mostly outlying areas located mostly on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) or beyond. Two routes connect the KIADB Aerospace Park to Nagawara (25 km) and the 10-km stretch between Kogilu Cross and Rajankunte.

A well-known proponent of the elevated corridor RK Mishra said that it makes no sense to drop the two Metro lines but argued that the Metro alone cannot solve traffic congestion. “We will request authorities to integrate the Metro with the elevated corridor,” he said while speaking to the Economic Times.

A Metro linking the ORR from Hebbal to JP Nagar, Magadi Road (Majestic-Seegehalli) and Iblur and Carmelaram are also part of the proposed Phase III plan.

A letter written by Namma Metro managing director to the BMTC in January indicates that Phase III has been “finalised”, while some reports say that the proposal is still waiting for the government’s approval.