Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The Karnataka government's new rule that all elevated metro lines should be built as double-decker structures is causing a delay in receiving approval from the central government for the long-planned Hebbal-Sarjapur metro corridor in Bengaluru. The state wants metro tracks on one level and roads underneath, to save space in the crowded city.
Double-deck Metro
However, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Prime Minister's Office have concerns. They feel building a double-deck metro for the entire stretch might reduce the main benefits of a metro system, like reducing traffic, pollution, and fuel use, because it could create parallel infrastructure and encourage more people to use private vehicles instead of public transport. The ministry believes this approach may make the metro less effective as a mass transit solution.
Hebbal-Sarjapur Metro Line
The proposed 37-km Hebbal-Sarjapur line, costing over ₹28,000 crore and approved by the state in late 2024, will connect key parts of Bengaluru, including the IT hub at Sarjapur, the Central Business District, and Hebbal. But final approval from the Centre is still pending because of the double-decker policy issue.
Why is the Double-deck Design Necessary?
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has informed the state about the Centre's concerns, and now the government needs to convince both the PMO and MoHUA why a complete double-deck design is necessary. The ministry is reviewing the policy more carefully, including safety, costs, and whether it truly benefits commuters.
While limited double-deck sections are being planned or built in other cities, a full stretch like Karnataka proposes is unusual, and that's part of why the Centre is hesitant to approve the project.
