Hebbal–Sarjapur Metro awaits Centre’s clearance; Deputy CM meets Khattar seeking approval

New Delhi:

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday, seeking early approval for the proposed Hebbal–Sarjapur Metro corridor (Phase 3A) and other key urban infrastructure projects for Bengaluru.

The 36.59-km Hebbal–Sarjapur corridor, envisaged as a crucial north–south mass transit link, will have 28 stations and is estimated to cost ₹28,405 crore.

Of the total alignment, 22.14 km will be elevated, while 14.45 km will run underground. The project received State Cabinet approval on January 10, 2025, and was submitted to the Centre for clearance on January 15, 2025.

Centre had however returned the DPR, stating that the cost of the project was on the higher side.

Following joint proceedings between the Union ministry and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on June 6, 2025, global consultancy SYSTRA was appointed to undertake a cost optimisation study of the underground sections of Phase 3A. The study has since been completed and is under discussion with the Centre.

Other approvals sought

During the meeting, Shivakumar also sought the Centre’s clearance for the revised completion cost of Metro Phase 2, which has increased from ₹26,405.14 crore to ₹40,425.02 crore. The revised estimate was approved by the State government on June 5, 2025, and forwarded to the Union ministry on June 9, 2025.

In addition, the Deputy CM requested support and approval for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) proposed for the Bengaluru region, and clearance for a project on the treatment and disposal of legacy leachate at Mittaganahalli pond, a long-pending solid waste management initiative.

State officials said the approvals are critical for easing congestion, improving regional connectivity and addressing environmental challenges in the rapidly growing metropolis.