Union Govt And Asian Development Bank Sign $500 Million Loan To Expand Bengaluru Metro

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday (23 August) signed a $500 million loan to expand the metro rail network in Bengaluru with the construction of two new metro lines totalling 56 km in length.

"The new metro lines will further strengthen safe, affordable and green mobility in Bengaluru, having a positive impact on enhancing quality of life, sustainable growth in urban habitat and livelihood opportunities." said Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs.

"The project supports urban transformation of Bengaluru City into a more livable and sustainable city through support to urban public transport and urban development with concepts of transit-oriented development (TOD) and multimodal integration (MMI)," said Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB's India Resident Mission.

"The project will bring various benefits including road de-congestion, better urban livability and environmental improvement," he added.

"The TOD-based urban development model will target realigning growth and increase the city's economic productivity by creating higher density, compact, mixed use, mixed income, safe, and resource-efficient and inclusive neighborhoods," the Ministry of Finance said.

"TOD also aims to raise land values along these corridors, generating capital revenues for the state government to meet the city's long-term investment needs. MMI will aim to provide people-oriented, environment-friendly solutions and a safe, total mobility solution for all Bangalore residents through the seamless integration of different modes of public transport," the official statement added.

The project will construct two new metro lines, primarily elevated, along Outer Ring Road and National Highway 44 between Central Silk Board and Kempegowda International Airport with 30 stations.

This corridor will help decongest traffic in the city area and provide seamless connectivity to the airport. The needs of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, women, children, and differently-abled persons, will be reflected in the metro facilities.

ADB's additional $two million technical assistance grant will help the state government formulate urban development plans and their implementing frameworks, focusing on TOD and multimodal integration.

The grant will also be used to strengthen the capacity of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited and other state agencies to implement these initiatives.