Metro link from Sarjapur to Hebbal

Nischith N. | NT

Reducing traffic congestion in Bengaluru, fasttracking the implementation of the suburban rail project, introduction of new metro lines, construction of foot overbridges near metro and railway stations… all these find mention in the State Budget 2022-23.

While presenting the Budget here on Friday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the government would provide a fresh lease of life for metro train connectivity between Sarjapur and Hebbal by announcing a new 35.40- km line at a cost of Rs 15,000 crore.

But commuters and activists are wondering whether this is a mere announcement, as most of the BMRCL projects have missed deadlines.

Krishna Prasad, a railway activist, told News Trail, “This is only for the publicity as they have not completed the existing projects. Globally, we see many airports being connected to Metro. However, there seems to be a delay in Bengaluru. Initially, the government was confused whether to give the metro line or the high speed railway connectivity to the airport. Later metro was finalised, but till today the work has been delayed like Rashtriya Vidyalaya RoadBommasandra Line (Yellow Line) and GottigereNagawara line and many others.”

According to the reports, Sarjapur line was initially meant to be a part of Metro Phase-3 with an announcement to this effect made in the 2018-2019 budget. But, last year the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Phase-3 line was finalised and only two corridors were announced in it causing much resentment among many who worked or lived along this stretch.

On Friday Chief Minister announced, “Action will be taken to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) in the year 2022-23 for construction of 35.40 km long new metro line connecting Sarjapur to Hebbala through Agra, Koramangala and Dairy circle at an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore.”

“It is good that the state government is constructing the metro line, but it should also work more on the railway connections. This budget seems to suggest that the government is focusing more on the metro than suburban railways,” Krishna Prasad further added.

Airport line
During the budget, the Chief Minister also extended March 2025 as the deadline for completion of the 58.19 km line from the Central Silk Board to the Airport Line (Phase 2A and Phase 2B). As mentioned, the previous deadline fixed by the CM for completion of all Phase-II projects of the BMRCL was in December 2024, a one-year reduction in the earlier deadline of 2025.

Suburban rail
Commuters and activities expressed that this budget has not given any clarity regarding Suburban Railways. “It is the same repeat announcement done by the government” Krishna Prasad said.