175 km of new metro lines to transform B'luru by 2026: Dy CM DKS

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced a major expansion of Bengaluru's metro network, with 175 km of new metro lines slated to be operational by 2026. Addressing the media after inspecting the newly extended Nagasandra to Madavara line on Tumkur Road, he shared that 30 km of new lines are expected by 2025, while the full 175 km will be completed by 2026.

The announcement was made following a metro ride by the DyCM, accompanied by MP Tejaswi Surya, Nelamangala MLA Srinivasaiah, and Dasarahalli MLA Muniraju, from Yeshwanthpur station to the newly extended Madavara station. Shivakumar noted that the Bengaluru Metro’s first and second phases are now complete and the central government has approved the third phase of metro expansion. To meet the needs of the expanding network, the state has allocated Rs 1,130 crore for the addition of 21 new train sets, which will enhance the efficiency and capacity of metro services as the city’s ridership continues to rise. The DyCM also outlined plans for improving accessibility and infrastructure around metro stations.

A pedestrian skywalk is planned at Manjunathanagar station, and a collaborative project with Indian Railways aims to develop a pedestrian passage at Yeshwanthpur station. Additionally, a project report has been prepared to develop an underpass at Chikkabidarakallu with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and discussions are underway with NHAI for another underpass at Madavara station. For those commuting from Tumakuru, BEIC ground is being prepared as a parking area where commuters can park their vehicles and take the metro into the city, alleviating traffic congestion. The 3-km extension from Nagasandra to Madavara is set to open experimentally to the public on Thursday, with a formal inauguration to follow.

The extension is expected to enhance connectivity on the green line, currently covering 33.46 km, while the purple line spans 40.5 km. Shivakumar highlighted the growing popularity of Bengaluru’s metro system, which boasts the highest ridership in the country. The expansion aligns with the city’s vision to provide a faster, more efficient commute option.