102-km network mooted for Phase 3

Bengaluru: With packed coaches a testimony to what Bengalureans need, the BMRC is stepping on the pedal for the third phase of the Namma Metro project.
On Tuesday, officials of the ministry of urban development reviewed various projects, and BMRC said a feasibility study has been done to add 102km to the network of 156.69km of the Metro planned in its two phases.
In Phase 3, railway subsidiary RITES has done a feasibility study to connect crucial traffic junctions like Silk Board Junction to KR Puram as well as the airport link.
There are five routes to connect the city with Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) but a final decision is yet to be taken. However, sources in BMRC said the airport will probably be connected from Nagavara through Hebbal along Ballari Road, and will be a high-speed rail track. NM Dhoke, director, rolling stock and operations, BMRC, said, "The RITES feasibility study is complete but the cabinet has to approve the project before BMRC does detailed project report. Based on it, the Centre will approve and sanction funds. The airport link will be part of Phase 3 of Namma Metro."
The airport link decision has been pending for seven years. BMRC had proposed connecting the airport from Nagavara through Kannur in the north or from Yeshwanthpur through Kodigehalli and Yelahanka apart from the Ballari Road route. But the state government has been insisting on connecting through Hebbal as it has already acquired land along the Ballari Road from NHAI for it.
BMRC MD Pradeep Singh Kharola said no decision on the airport link route was taken at the review meeting.