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The proposed 16.75-km Tunnel Road between KR Puram and Hebbal is expected to cost much more than the Namma Metro Phase 3A Red Line, even though both projects will serve a similar route. According to the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), the tunnel road will cost around Rs 1,061 crore per kilometre, while the Metro Red Line will cost about Rs 687 crore per kilometre.
Namma Metro Phase 3A Red Line
The DPR for the Metro Phase 3A (Red Line) was released on public platforms on Monday. A comparison of the two DPRs shows that the Metro is a more affordable option per kilometre, despite covering a longer distance and providing public transport services.
The proposed 37.80-km Metro Red Line, connecting Sarjapur and Hebbal, is estimated to cost Rs 25,999 crore. The project includes 23.524 km of elevated tracks with 17 stations and 14.28 km of underground tracks with 10 stations, taking the total number of stations to 27.
Tunnel Road Project
On the other hand, the proposed 16.75-km Tunnel Road is estimated to cost Rs 17,780 crore. This works out to Rs 1,061 crore per kilometre. Officials have also warned that the project cost could increase by up to 45% before completion, pushing the cost to nearly Rs 1,538 crore per kilometre.
Bengaluru's Tunnel Road Project to Cost More
There is also a big difference in travel costs for commuters. Passengers using the Metro are expected to pay a maximum fare of Rs 90, while people using the tunnel road may have to pay a round-trip toll of more than Rs 600. Moreover, the tunnel road will not be open to all types of vehicles.
The Metro project has also seen changes. It was initially approved at Rs 28,405 crore, but after the Centre raised concerns over the high cost, BMRCL removed the proposed Veterinary College station due to low expected ridership. This reduced the total project cost to Rs 25,999 crore.
Although both projects connect southeast and north Bengaluru, the Metro is designed to carry large numbers of passengers through 27 stations. At the same time, the tunnel road is mainly meant for private vehicles using a paid road.