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The Karnataka government's plan to extend the Namma Metro from Bengaluru's Madavara to Tumakuru is being criticised as unrealistic and financially irresponsible. G Parameshwara, District-in-Charge Minister, has stated that the project could cost a massive ₹20,649 crore. Despite this, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has been preparing a
Detailed Project Report, costing ₹3 crore. Critics argue that this is a waste of time and money if better and cheaper transport options are already available.
Functions of Metro Rail
Metro rail systems are designed for travel within cities and operate for short distances, with frequent stops and fast boarding. Extending a metro line for 60 kilometres between two cities goes against its basic purpose. The closely spaced stations, slower speeds, and coaches designed for standing passengers make long-distance metro travel inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Need for Improvement of Bengaluru's Transport Service
Bengaluru and Tumakuru are connected by a busy railway line that currently runs passenger and express trains. With some upgrades, such as increasing speed to 100-160 km/h and reducing stops, this line could offer fast, frequent, and high-capacity service between the two cities, which would be cheaper and utilize the existing infrastructure. The government should focus on improving and integrating this railway service with Bengaluru's transport network. The Centre's support is also easily accessible, as Tumakuru MP V. Somanna is the Minister of State for Railways. Semi-high-speed trains could terminate at Bengaluru's Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna station; however, a multimodal hub could be built at the last metro station on Tumakuru Road for smooth transfers between train, metro, and buses.
Meanwhile, BMRCL has stated that extending metro services into rural areas would require new laws and regulations. At a time when several metro projects within Bengaluru are already delayed, spending over ₹20,000 crore on an unsuitable intercity metro makes no sense. Instead, the government should invest in a modern commuter rail system that truly serves Tumakuru's people.
