Centre to review Namma Metro Phase 2 costs after proposal submission
He noted that while the state government has submitted its proposal for the 36.59 km Sarjapura–Hebbal line under Phase 3A at an estimated cost of about ₹28,405 crore, it needs to be examined by an expert agency.
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Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3A: Sarjapur–Hebbal Red Line Faces Cost Review by Centre
The metro line from Sarjapur to Hebbal, known as the Red Line under Phase 3A of the Bengaluru Metro project, is facing fresh challenges. With an estimated cost of ₹28,405 crore, this line is being dubbed the most expensive metro project in the city's history. As a result, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has been instructed to re-evaluate the project. Central Government Raises Concerns Over Cost of Sarjapur–Hebbal Metro Line According to initial estimates, the cost per kilometer of this corridor could be as high as ₹776.3 crore. The central government has expressed concern over this high per-kilometer cost, which is significantly above national benchmarks. Hence, a more thorough assessment of the project is now required. Re-evaluation by Independent Experts Even though Phase 3A was approved by the state cabinet in December 2024, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is now carefully scrutinizing the project's cost. The Ministry believes that the projected cost exceeds acceptable standards. New Cost Evaluation Standards The revised cost estimates for metro projects now depend on 13 key factors, including alignment and construction, station buildings, power and traction systems, signaling, depots, train sets, etc. In particular, challenges in tunneling and fluctuations in equipment supply have been identified as reasons for cost escalation. Expert Report Expected in Three Months A report by independent experts is expected to be submitted to the central government within three months. Based on this report, a decision will be made regarding whether to approve Phase 3A as is, or propose modifications. This could lead to delays in the expected central clearance, which was originally anticipated by December 2025. The project completion deadline remains 2031. Costly Features of the Underground Metro Section Around 14.44 km of Phase 3A is planned to be underground. Construction costs for underground stations, tunnels, power systems, depots, and traction systems significantly increase the overall cost per kilometer. Typically, underground platforms are 240 meters long, but there is a proposal to reduce this to 190–200 meters to save on civil construction expenses. Speculations Regarding Tunnel Route Some recent statements by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sparked speculation that the route alignment might be changed. However, two senior BMRCL officials have clearly denied any such changes, affirming that the alignment remains intact — from Sarjapur to Iblur (14 km) and Agara to Koramangala 3rd Block (2.45 km) as originally planned. Double-Deck Flyovers According to officials, the changes mentioned by the Deputy CM refer only to the double-deck flyovers included in the Phase 3A plan. These flyovers are limited to elevated segments and do not affect the overall metro alignment in any way. With inputs from GoodRetruns.
Deccan Herald
3 days ago
- Deccan Herald
Centre asks for tweaking Metro Phase 3A's 'high' cost
The 36.59-km Phase 3A, also called the Red Line, will connect Sarjapur in southeastern Bengaluru to Hebbal in the north. It is estimated to cost Rs 28,405 crore, or Rs 776.3 crore per km, the most expensive in Namma Metro's history.
India Gazette
28-05-2025
- India Gazette
Delhi Airport emerges among Top 10 hubs in Asia-Pacific and Middle East region
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Delhi Airport is the only Indian airport to be among top 10 hub airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, according to the 2024 Air Connectivity Ranking released by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC and MID). The ranking, topped by Dubai International Airport, recognises Delhi Airport's growing stature as a global transit hub, with seamless connectivity to 153 destinations worldwide, including 81 domestic and 72 international routes. It is also in line with the Government of India's endeavour to develop Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport as a global transit hub. CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said, 'We are immensely proud and honored that Delhi Airport has been recognized as one of the top 10 hub airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region in the 2024 Air Connectivity Ranking by Airports Council International.' 'Being the only Indian airport to achieve this distinction is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and passenger-centric service,' said Jaipuriar. 'Together, we will continue to enhance connectivity, improve passenger experience, and uphold our position as a premier gateway connecting India to the world.' Under its ambitious Phase 3A expansion project, DIAL has successfully doubled the International-to-International transfer area, enhancing capacity and passenger convenience. New biometric registration kiosks for e-visa holders are among several recent upgrades designed to streamline the travel experience. Delhi Airport emerges as a gateway to the world: Delhi Airport has significantly broadened its global footprint by adding over 20 exclusive international destinations in recent years. New routes include Phnom Penh, Bali Denpasar, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, Tokyo Haneda, and more, the airport operator said in a statement. Over the past decade, transfer passenger volume has doubled, underscoring Delhi Airport's emergence as a premier transit hub in South Asia. Delhi connects to 88% of India's long-haul destinations and operates 56 per cent of all India-origin long-haul weekly flights. Nearly half (42 per cent) of all long-haul passengers from India choose Delhi as their travel gateway. Each year, Delhi Airport facilitates seamless connections for 4 million domestic passengers traveling onward to international destinations. 'With Indian carriers increasingly deploying wide-body aircraft, Delhi Airport is on track to become a Global gateway hub, strengthening its role as the preferred gateway for international and long-haul travellers,' the airport operator said in the statement. The 2025 edition of the ACI rankings introduced a 'Hub Connectivity Index', which evaluates airports on the quality and effectiveness of their hub operations. The index considers factors such as: * Transfer viability and window timings * Route deviations from optimal paths * Strength and reach of onward connectivity Dubai International Airport leads this year's Hub Connectivity Index, followed by Shanghai Pudong and Hamad International Airports. Delhi Airport has secured the 10th spot. (ANI)
