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Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) may have to change its plan to build continuous double-decker corridors along the Outer Ring Road West and Magadi Road under Phase 3 of the Metro project, which would have a road flyover on one level and a Metro line above it.
Bengaluru Metro Project under Phase 3
According to sources, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has raised concerns about the plan's financial viability and its possible impact on Metro ridership. The 44.65-km Phase 3 project was initially planned with double-decker infrastructure along the entire route.
The final report prepared by RITES reportedly found that the project's Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) for the double-decker component was below the 14% benchmark set by MoHUA. Sources said RITES had initially estimated a higher EIRR in its draft report but later revised the figure in the final assessment.
An earlier study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) had also raised concerns about the proposal. According to the study, combining elevated roads with Metro infrastructure could encourage people to continue using private vehicles rather than public transport, leading to a decline in Metro ridership and a spike in vehicle emissions.
The IISc assessment estimated that the additional double-decker infrastructure could raise the project cost by around Rs 2,864 crore. The EIRR for BMRCL's investment was estimated at 9.07%, while it dropped to 5.43% when road agency investments were also considered.
The Karnataka government supports the double-decker model because Bengaluru has limited road space and land acquisition is expensive. The state has approved an additional 37-km road component costing around Rs 9,700 crore. However, the revised design needs fresh approval from the Centre. MoHUA is examining its economic benefits, safety, operational feasibility and possible effect on Metro usage.
The proposed 37-km Hebbal-Sarjapur Metro corridor is facing similar scrutiny. BMRCL has appointed IIT Roorkee to examine its end-to-end double-decker design. The revised project is estimated to cost around Rs 25,999 crore.