Latest news with #Phase3A
Indian Express
4 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.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Business
- 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
04-06-2025
- Business
- 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
- Business
- 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)
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi's IGI airport ranks among top 10 hub airports in Asia-Pacific and Middle East
Representative image NEW DELHI: Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has earned distinction as the only Indian airport ranked among the top 10 hub airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, according to the 2024 Air Connectivity Ranking released by Airports Council International (ACI) for Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East (MID). Dubai International Airport leads the rankings, while Delhi Airport stands out for its robust connectivity to 153 destinations worldwide- comprising 81 domestic and 72 international routes. This milestone aligns with the Indian Government's vision to establish Delhi as a global transit hub. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), 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. Together, we will continue to enhance connectivity, improve passenger experience, and uphold our position as a premier gateway connecting India to the world," he added. Delhi Airport has undertaken significant infrastructure enhancements under its Phase 3A expansion, which has doubled the international-to-international transfer area, boosting both capacity and passenger convenience. Recent upgrades also include the installation of biometric registration kiosks for e-visa holders, streamlining immigration and transit processes. The airport has broadened its international footprint by adding over 20 exclusive destinations in recent years. New routes include Phnom Penh, Bali Denpasar, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, and Tokyo Haneda, among others. Transfer passenger volumes at Delhi Airport have doubled over the past decade, solidifying its position as South Asia's primary transit hub. The airport currently handles 88 per cent of India's long-haul destinations and 56 per cent of India-origin long-haul weekly flights. Furthermore, 42 per cent of Indian long-haul travellers choose Delhi as their departure point. Each year, the airport facilitates 4 million domestic-to-international transfer passengers. According to the airport operator, '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 2025 ACI rankings introduced a new 'Hub Connectivity Index' which evaluates hub airports based on the quality and efficiency of their operations. Key metrics include transfer viability and timing windows, route deviations from optimal paths, and the strength and reach of onward connectivity. Dubai International Airport secured the top spot in the Hub Connectivity Index, followed by Shanghai Pudong and Hamad International Airport. Delhi Airport ranked tenth, marking a significant achievement for India's aviation landscape. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
