The development follows the submission of a detailed project report by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation for extending Metro by 60km from Madavara
The earlier proposal to take the Metro up to Tumakuru was estimated to cost Rs 20,000 crore if implemented under public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Sources said govt is now examining whether the Metro should instead be extended only up to Nelamangala, while a faster regional rail system could subsequently connect the town with Tumakuru. Nelamangala MLA Shreenivasaiah N said he recently urged chief minister DK Shivakumar to extend Metro to the town, considering its rapid urbanisation and growing traffic. The CM, too, was convinced that there is a need to address traffic issues and directed BMRCL to take necessary action in this regard,” he said. The MLA said the Metro should ideally be extended up to Kunigal bypass. He said a station at the junction will benefit passengers travelling to Bengaluru from Tumakuru and other parts of the region. Those coming from Tumakuru side can also park their vehicles and take Metro to the city,” he said.
The proposal comes amid discussions on whether extending the Metro all the way to Tumakuru is viable, with govt also considering proposing an RRTS (regional rapid transit system) link between Nelamangala and Tumakuru in future. “We asked the CM to extend Metro by 14km from Madavara station. “People travelling long-distance by KSRTC and other buses can reach Bengaluru much faster. However, extending an elevated Metro corridor over such a long distance has raised questions over its financial viability. Several transport experts suggested that Metro should cater to urban stretches, while RRTS or suburban rail be used to connect Bengaluru with neighbouring districts. The Nelamangala proposal is among several corridors being discussed for the future expansion of Namma Metro. These include KR Pura-Hoskote, Challaghatta-Bidadi, Silk Institute-Harohalli and Bommasandra-Attibele.