Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 Double-Decker Plan May Be Cut

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is reportedly reconsidering its ambitious end-to-end double-decker flyover plan for Phase 3. The original proposal, which aimed to integrate road flyovers with metro tracks to ease traffic, may now be restricted to a much shorter 11km section. This potential reduction comes as officials evaluate the practicalities of the massive project, which covers major corridors including the Outer Ring Road. If implemented, the change would signify a major shift in the design of one of the city's most anticipated transit expansions.

Several factors are driving the decision to scale back the double-decker infrastructure. Engineering complexities in densely populated areas and the high cost of constructing integrated pillars have led to a re-evaluation of the project's financial feasibility. Additionally, coordination with other civic agencies regarding land acquisition and existing utility lines has proven more difficult than initially projected. The 11km stretch being prioritized is likely chosen based on its potential to provide the highest immediate relief to congestion in key traffic bottlenecks, while the remaining sections may return to traditional single-tier designs.

The scaling back of the double-decker plan could have long-term implications for Bengaluru's traffic management strategy. While the integrated flyover-metro model was seen as a holistic solution for the city's infamous gridlock, a shorter version may leave some corridors under-served by road infrastructure. Commuter groups and urban planners are closely watching the development, as Phase 3 is critical for connecting the western and southern suburbs to the rest of the metro network. BMRCL is expected to present a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the state government for final approval in the coming months.