Latest news with #MetroPhase3A
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Serious risks to Namma Metro structures, more traffic chaos: What DULT found in its review of Bengaluru's tunnel project
The proposed 16-km underground tunnel road between Hebbal and Silk Board junction in Bengaluru could threaten the structural safety of Namma Metro tunnels and worsen traffic congestion unless major design and mitigation measures are implemented, according to the Karnataka Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT). The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) submitted the feasibility study report of the proposed north-south corridor for review and approval by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) in July 2024. The DULT, which serves as the secretariat to the BMLTA, conducted a technical review of the proposal, following which several observations were documented for the BBMP's consideration. On structural safety, the DULT has said, 'The proposed alignment intersects with multiple Metro lines and may cause stress interference which can impact the Metro tunnel's structural performance.' The review highlights several locations where the underground tunnel will either cross or run in close proximity to the alignments of Metro Phase 2 and Phase 3A. These locations include Marigowda Road, Dairy Circle, NIMHANS, Wilson Garden, Guttahalli Main Road, 8th Main Road in Sadashivanagar, Corporation Circle, KR Circle, and Palace Road. According to experts, stress interference in this context refers to the changes in underground pressure and stability that can occur when a new tunnel is built close to an existing Metro tunnel. For example, at Marigowda Road, the DULT's review states, 'the proposed alignment of the underground tunnel intersects with the proposed Metro Phase 3A (Hebbal–Sarjapur line), which may cause stress interference which can impact the metro tunnel's structural performance.' At Dairy Circle, the proposed alignment of the underground tunnel intersects with the proposed Metro Phase 2 (Gottigere–Nagawara line), which may cause stress interference and impact the metro tunnel's structural performance, the review says. Similarly, the DULT flags stress interference and lateral displacement to existing and upcoming Metro networks near NIMHANS, Wilson Garden, Guttahalli Main Road, Sadashivanagar, Corporation Circle and KR Circle. The review also notes several traffic issues the tunnel, proposed for four-wheelers only, could create. On Jayamahal Main Road, the agency warns, 'Ramp construction, without undertaking land acquisition and provision of proper weaving area prior to the ramp, will lead to choking of Jayamahal Road.' In Sadashivanagar, accommodating an exit ramp on the existing 8th Main Road is not feasible, as it will cause road congestion and excessive traffic delays, the review says. For Palace Road and Basaveshwara Circle, the review cautions, 'The feasibility report should assess the additional traffic that would come to the junction if the tunnel ramp were constructed and if the junction would be capable of handling the additional traffic without impacting the surrounding roads.' 'At KR Circle, the proposed exit ramp will lead to additional traffic to the already congested KR Circle, exacerbating congestion and creating merging conflicts… such impact analysis has not been carried out,' the review states. Near Corporation Circle, the review indicates that traffic exiting from the tunnel road will increase the traffic load at nearby junctions, such as Coffee Day Junction and Queens Junction. On Siddapura Road near Ashoka Pillar, the agency notes that there may not be adequate width to accommodate the proposed entry ramp and weaving area and that the impact of the proposed ramp on Ashoka Pillar Circle, considering the additional traffic that would need to pass through the circle, needs to be assessed. As for Marigowda Road, it says, 'the proposal to accommodate an exit ramp needs to be examined considering the width available, impact on existing traffic and impact on nearby junctions like 13th Cross Road… the presence of an exit ramp will worsen the situation.' 'Sizing of the ramp should be determined based on scientific demand assessment… otherwise, the tunnel proposal will only create more inconvenience to people and lead to a more chaotic traffic situation at surface level.' The review states that the proposed project does not align with the objectives and goals of the approved Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for Bengaluru. Further, it says that the project does not align either with the BBMP's Climate Action Plan or National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP). Despite several noted discrepancies, Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Limited has proceeded with global tenders for the tunnel road project.
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru MP's poll finds 91% of Bengalureans want Metro phase 3A, not car-only tunnel
A majority of Bengalureans have spoken, and they want better public transport, not a controversial tunnel for cars. BJP MP from Bangalore Central PC Mohan. Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan posted the results of an X (formerly Twitter) poll on Wednesday, revealing that 91 per cent of over 3,500 respondents favoured Metro Phase 3A over the proposed ₹17,780 crore car-only tunnel. 'The message is clear,' Mohan wrote. 'Bengaluru needs suburban rail, metro connectivity, more buses with bus lanes, walkable footpaths, cycling infrastructure and pothole-free roads.' (Also Read: Tejasvi Surya dares DK Shivakumar for open debate on Bengaluru tunnel road project) Check out his post here: Mohan's tweet, accompanied by a screenshot of the poll, sparked a flurry of reactions, with many urging elected representatives to treat the results as a mandate. How did X users react? 'Just make these topics your top agenda for the next elections and execute them, you'll keep getting re-elected,' one user wrote. Another questioned the next step, 'So when are we getting the stay order, sir? Please start legal procedures. Brand Bengaluru has been spoiled by the current administration.' Some users, however, expressed frustration at the slow pace of existing metro projects. 'First complete Phase 2, 2A and 2B, then talk about Phase 3A,' one user said.'Namma Metro is the most delayed and useless project in the world. Outsource it to China or Dubai, they'll finish it faster and cheaper than the corrupt Indian system.' The debate over Bengaluru's future transport infrastructure has heated up in recent weeks, after the Congress government defended the tunnel road proposal as a bold and transformative step. 'This isn't about political credit. It's about Brand Bengaluru,' the party said in a statement, urging collaboration between the state and Centre. The statement welcomed audits and technical reviews but cautioned against politicising the project, 'Citizens deserve efficient execution, not polarised discourse.' The proposed tunnel project has faced strong pushback from civic groups and citizens, who argue it prioritises private vehicles over sustainable transport and will disrupt the city's urban ecology. The government, however, maintains that all major infrastructure projects will be subject to review and public consultation. (Also Read: 'US is the land of weak-a** coffee': Bengaluru author hypes Indian brews over pricey Western blends
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
₹19,000 crore loan for tunnel? Bengaluru MP PC Mohan lists 13 better ways to spend the money
Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan has raised questions about the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) proposal to take a ₹19,000 crore loan to build a 40-km twin tunnel road in the city. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mohan highlighted 13 alternative ways the massive sum could be better utilised to address Bengaluru's pressing urban issues. According to Mohan, the ₹19,000 crore could instead be used to lay 10,000 kilometres of footpaths and cycling tracks, fix 80 per cent of the city's stormwater drains, and create 1,000 start-up incubation centres. He also suggested setting up 1,000 primary health centres, upgrading 2,000 government schools, and funding nearly 70 per cent of Metro Phase 3A. Mohan's list didn't stop there. He proposed creating a city-wide air quality monitoring and alert system with 500+ sensors, setting up 500 electric vehicle charging stations, revamping 500 public parks and urban spaces, constructing 200 modern public toilets, installing one lakh CCTV cameras, adding 10,000 electric buses, and building 2,000 anganwadis. The BBMP's tunnel project, which includes a North-South corridor from Hebbal to Silk Board and an East-West corridor, is aimed at easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently confirmed that the state government will soon float tenders for Bengaluru's proposed tunnel road project. He said that preliminary discussions have already taken place at the cabinet level and with senior police officials. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the first phase of the project will involve the construction of a single tunnel road. The government is currently working on identifying suitable entry and exit points to ensure feasibility and minimal disruption. 'In my opinion, the road should not pass around the Vidhana Soudha,' he said, hinting at concerns related to security and the preservation of the iconic structure. In addition, the Deputy CM announced that the government has decided to allocate funds for the Cauvery Aarti and will organise the event on a grand scale. (Also Read: 'Hug me, I'm single': Bengaluru man held for kissing, groping two women in park)
Hans India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
PC Mohan Flags ₹28,405 Cr Metro Cost, Calls for Red Line Reassessment
The Union Government has asked for a revision of the cost estimates for Bengaluru's Metro Phase 3A (Red Line), citing its exceptionally high projected cost. The line, planned from Sarjapur to Hebbal, is the most expensive project in Namma Metro's history, estimated at ₹28,405 crore, or ₹776 crore per kilometre. Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan justified the Centre's move, stating that the line is indeed crucial for the city's future transit needs, but that the costs must be reviewed. 'Bengaluru's Metro Phase 3A (Red Line) from Sarjapur to Hebbal is crucial, but at ₹28,405 crore (₹776 crore/km), it is the most expensive project in Namma Metro's history. The Centre has rightly sought revisions. BMRCL will now reassess and aim to reduce the high estimated costs,' Mohan tweeted. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has directed that an expert agency review the cost estimate before the project receives final approval from the State Government. According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the cost escalations are due to several factors, including: Land acquisition Station construction Underground tunneling and alignment Traction and power supply Signalling and telecommunication systems Train procurement The proposed Red Line spans 36.59 km, with 22.14 km elevated and 14.45 km underground. It will include 28 stations in total — 17 elevated and 11 underground. This stretch is considered vital for connecting the growing IT hubs of Sarjapur with north Bengaluru, including key areas around Hebbal. However, the revised cost structure and implementation timeline will now depend on the findings of the expert review and subsequent decisions by BMRCL. Bengaluru's Metro Phase 3A (Red Line) from Sarjapur to Hebbal is crucial, but at ₹28,405 crore (₹776 crore/km), it is the most expensive project in Namma Metro's history. Centre has rightly sought revisions. BMRCL will now reassess and aim to reduce the high estimated costs. — P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) June 10, 2025
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Red Line cost soars to Rs 776cr/km; BMRCL to review estimate, says MP
BENGALURU: Justifying that the Centre has rightly sought revisions in the Metro Phase 3A (Red Line) project, Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan stated that the Namma Metro line from Sarjapur to Hebbal is the costliest project in the history of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL). 'Bengaluru's Metro Phase 3A (Red Line) from Sarjapur to Hebbal is crucial, but at Rs 28,405 crore (Rs 776 crore/km), it is the most expensive project in Namma Metro's history. The Centre has rightly sought revisions. BMRCL will now reassess and aim to reduce the high estimated costs,' he added. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had directed that the cost estimate be examined by an expert agency before granting final approval by the State Government. Factors like land acquisition, station construction, alignment and formation, traction & power supply, signalling and telecommunication and train procurement contribute to the high costs, according to the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The 36.59-km-long Red Line from Sarjapur to Hebbal consists of 22.14 km of elevated line and 14.45 km of tunnel with a total of 28 stations. There will be 17 stations on the elevated line and 11 stations on the tunnel.
