Latest news with #NammaMetroPhase3
The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
BMRCL likely to scale down tree felling target from 11,000 to 6,000 for metro phase 3
In a major revision aimed at reducing environmental damage, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is likely to scale down its earlier proposal to cut over 11,000 trees for the upcoming Namma Metro Phase 3 project. The revised plan now estimates the felling of approximately 6,000 trees. According to the Detailed Project Report, around 11,137 trees were initially expected to be impacted across the 44.65-km-long stretch that comprises two corridors. However, BMRCL clarified that this figure included both trees slated for removal and those that might be transplanted, subject to technical feasibility and environmental assessments that are still underway. The revised decision comes after the BMRCL has been receiving feedback from multiple stakeholders during public consultation meetings happening on the metro phase 3 project. 'As a public infrastructure developer, we have a responsibility to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability. After carefully reviewing suggestions so far we got from citizens, we have been reworking our design and engineering plans to reduce the number of trees that need to be felled. We are also looking at large-scale transplantation wherever possible. Our aim is to implement the project with minimal ecological disruption,' said a senior BMRCL official involved in the planning process. About the project Phase 3 of the metro, referred to as the Orange Line, is entirely elevated and aims to decongest traffic-heavy areas in the western part of the city. The two new corridors are set to integrate with the existing metro network, significantly enhancing intra-city connectivity. Corridor 1 will stretch 32.15 km from J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura, while Corridor 2 will run 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere. Though the project received all statutory clearances, including approval from the Union Cabinet in August last year, construction has been delayed due to changes in the original alignment. One of the major revisions involves the construction of double-decker viaducts along certain stretches accommodating both metro and road traffic, which required fresh planning and feasibility analysis. The BMRCL has projected that upon completion in 2029, the Phase 3 extension will serve an estimated 7.85 lakh daily commuters, taking the total length of the Bengaluru metro network to 222.2 km. In anticipation of the environmental impact, the agency has proposed a compensatory afforestation initiative valued at ₹43.53 crore as part of its environmental monitoring strategy, according to officials. Key interchange stations are planned along the new corridors to enhance integration with existing lines. These include Peenya and J.P. Nagar on the Green Line, Mysuru Road on the Purple Line, and Sumanahalli on Corridor 2. J.P. Nagar Phase 4 will also provide a link to the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road, while Hebbal is expected to function as a major interchange between the Blue Line (airport route) and Red Line (Hebbal–Sarjapur route). As of now, BMRCL has acquired about 26,811 square meters of land mostly for Corridor 1 connecting J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road Metro Station. For this corridor alone, an additional 1,29,743 square meters has been earmarked, involving 777 private properties. An official said, 'Any further land required will be acquired in coordination with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), with a strong emphasis on minimising disruptions to existing road infrastructure, flyovers, and underpasses.' The ₹15,611 crore project is being funded through a mix of sources ₹7,577 crore in loans and ₹450 crore from non-fare revenues, including advertising rights and station naming deals. The rest is expected to be covered through central and state government contributions.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3: Operator brings down tree loss estimate to 6,000
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) officials Monday clarified that the tree loss during the construction of Namma Metro Phase 3 will likely be much lower than feared earlier. While the initial figure stood at around 11,000, BMRCL's environment wing has now revised this to approximately 6,800 trees after an internal assessment. "All 6,000-plus trees will not be removed. Some will be cut, some transplanted, and some retained," said Kanakaraj MH, assistant engineer (environment), BMRCL, adding that the exact number would depend on the ground situation during construction. The statement came after environmentalists raised serious concerns about the impact of Metro expansion on Bengaluru's green cover. Activists demanded greater transparency and access to data on how many trees will be felled, pruned, or relocated, and the exact locations of transplantation efforts. A public consultation meeting on the matter was held Monday. Parvathi Srirama, an environmental activist present at the meeting, said: "They are telling everything orally. We want statistics. How many trees are going to be saved correctly? How many trees are going to be pruned? How many are they relocating and where? What are the species? What is the age of the trees?" You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Responding to concerns about rising air and noise pollution following previous construction phases, Kanakaraj acknowledged that Metro work does contribute to the city's air quality issues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo "But there are multiple sectors adding to pollution. It's not always high," he added. BMRCL officials reiterated their commitment to compensating for the loss of green cover. For every tree removed, the agency has pledged to plant 10 new saplings within city limits and maintain them for at least three years. However, environmentalists questioned the status of compensatory plantations carried out for earlier Metro phases and sought data on the survival rates of transplanted trees. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on Phase 3 is currently being finalised. "We have asked the public and NGOs for their point of view. We are noting it down. The EIA report is on the verge of completion," Kanakaraj said. According to sources, the report is expected to be ready for review by Aug and will likely be published in Oct. Phase 3 of Metro will add 44km to the network, providing new connections to the traffic-heavy western section of the Outer Ring Road.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
J.P. Nagar residents raise red flag over Metro Phase 3 double-decker flyover alignment
Residents of J.P. Nagar have raised serious concerns about the proposed double-decker flyover under Namma Metro Phase 3, warning that its alignment could worsen traffic congestion near the already-busy Vega City Mall junction on Bannerghatta Road. The flyover, part of Corridor 1 from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura, is set to land just 130 metres away from the Vega City Mall signal, a move locals believe could lead to severe gridlock. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which has already begun land acquisition for the 32.15-km Corridor 1, has proposed a signal-free flyover as part of the metro alignment. While residents have welcomed the project's potential to decongest the city, they say the current design needs urgent revision. 'The problem is not with the metro but where the flyover ends. Ending it so close to the Vega City Mall signal will only shift the bottleneck, not eliminate it. We have already written to BMRCL and met our area's elected representative in March to highlight this issue,' a resident of J.P. Nagar 3rd Phase, who doesn't want to be named, told The Hindu. He further explained, 'We residents of J.P. Nagar have shared our concerns, particularly about the ramp landing close to the junction. Adding ramps and expanding roads are not long-term solutions. They simply displace traffic rather than reduce it. We've urged BMRCL and BBMP officials to conduct detailed traffic simulation studies before finalising the alignment.' Residents seek shift in flyover landing The J.P. Nagar 4th Phase Dollars Layout Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) has also formally communicated its apprehensions to BMRCL. In a letter, the association noted: 'We wholeheartedly welcome Namma Metro Phase 3, recognising its potential to ease Bengaluru's traffic woes. However, the proposed 32-km signal-free double-decker corridor is expected to funnel traffic from Hebbal and Tumakuru Road directly to an area barely 130 metres from the J.D. Mara signal and the Vega City Mall. This could create massive congestion and spillover effects into nearby residential areas, impacting local schools, hospitals, businesses, and residents.' To mitigate these risks, the RWA has suggested a shift in the alignment. 'A constructive alternative, unanimously resolved by residents, is to have the flyover land before the Kanakapura Road signal. This would create a 2.5 km buffer zone for better traffic dispersal and improve connectivity to the Silk Board flyover near Raghavendra Swamy Temple. Such a change would serve the project's goals while minimising disruption to sensitive residential zones, including the 15th Cross area,' the letter stated. Meanwhile, residents say their appeals remain unanswered. 'Despite a series of meetings with BMRCL officials, the latest one being on May 12, there has been no concrete response from their side. We want development, but it must be thoughtful and sustainable. This project, if not planned properly, will turn Vega City junction into another nightmare for commuters.' When The Hindu contacted BMRCL officials have not responded to the concerns raised by residents. A senior official said the matter is still under review. All about Namma Metro Phase 3. Corridor 1, which will also feature major interchange stations at JP Nagar and Peenya (on the Green Line), Mysuru Road (on the Purple Line), and Sumanahalli (on the Hosahalli–Kadabagere Corridor 2), aims to expand the reach of Bengaluru's metro network. JP Nagar Phase 4 will also be linked to the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road, while Hebbal will function as a key interchange connecting the Blue Line (to the airport) and the Red Line (to Sarjapur). Phase 3, also referred to as the Orange Line, will be fully elevated and is expected to serve underserved areas along Magadi Road and the western portion of the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Once completed in 2029, it is projected to accommodate 7.85 lakh daily commuters, extending the city's metro network to 222.2 km. While the project has received all mandatory approvals, including a Union Cabinet nod in August 2024, officials admit that design adjustments required for the double-decker viaduct have delayed the construction timeline.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
DK Shivakumar proposes dedicated flyover from Hebbal to Bengaluru airport, writes to Nitin Gadkari
Bengaluru may soon get a dedicated elevated flyover connecting Hebbal Junction to Kempegowda International Airport, as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has pitched the ambitious proposal to the Union government. In a letter addressed to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Shivakumar underlined the urgent need for seamless connectivity to the rapidly growing international airport. Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Also Read - Karnataka government to act on Centre's advisory amid tensions with Pakistan 'The 35-km corridor from Hebbal to the airport is choked with traffic due to rising industrial activity and the emergence of commercial hubs. Although there is an existing elevated road, its efficiency is compromised by traffic signals and pedestrian crossings,' Shivakumar wrote. He added that a signal-free, dedicated flyover would drastically cut travel time for airport passengers, industrial freight vehicles, and daily commuters. The proposal comes amid increasing concerns about Bengaluru's traffic woes, especially on arterial routes leading to the airport. Shivakumar emphasised that the new flyover could serve as a critical lifeline for the city's mobility, given the surging passenger numbers and airport expansion plans. Crucial meetings in New Delhi Apart from this, the Deputy Chief Minister urged the Centre to expedite work on other critical road and metro infrastructure. He called for the widening of the Bengaluru–Kanakapura highway into a six-lane road and demanded the completion of a 7-km stretch that connects the toll plaza at Kaggalipura on the city's outskirts. Also Read - Newly appointed BBMP chief launches drive to fix Bengaluru footpaths, prioritise pedestrian safety Raising concerns over long-standing compensation issues, Shivakumar pressed the Centre to release funds for families affected by land acquisition for the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR). Despite construction beginning in 2009, many landowners along the Dobbspet–Magadi–Ramanagara–Harohalli route are still awaiting compensation. One of the most ambitious proposals discussed was the construction of a 60-km tunnel road to link Bengaluru's east-west and north-south corridors. Estimated to cost ₹ 30,000 crore — about ₹ 500 crore per kilometre — the tunnel would connect NH-7 and NH-4, offering a potential gamechanger in tackling the city's chronic traffic bottlenecks. Shivakumar sought financial backing from the Union government to enable the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement the tunnel project in partnership with the state. In addition, Shivakumar met Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to discuss the progress and future plans of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. He urged the Centre to clear the proposed 44.65 km stretch under Namma Metro Phase 3. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is also being prepared for another 37 km of expansion, which is expected to boost mass transit in the city significantly.
