Bengaluru metro to add 500 lifts, 1,000 escalators as network expands to 175 km

With passenger numbers rising and stations getting busier, BMRCL plans a major upgrade in mobility infrastructure alongside its next phase of Metro expansion.

As Bengaluru’s Metro stations continue to witness growing crowd pressure, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is preparing for a large-scale upgrade in passenger mobility infrastructure to ensure smoother movement within stations.

As part of the upcoming 78-kilometre expansion, the Metro authority plans to install nearly 500 lifts and around 1,000 escalators across the new corridors. This move comes as the city’s Metro network is set to expand rapidly, almost doubling in size over the next two years.

Once the expansion is completed, Bengaluru’s Metro length will increase from the current 96 kilometres to about 175 kilometres. Along with this growth, the number of stations will rise from 83 to 127, significantly increasing daily passenger movement across the system.

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With more lines and stations coming up, efficient internal mobility has become a key focus area. Lifts, escalators and travelators are being planned especially for busy interchange stations, where smooth passenger circulation is as important as train frequency and punctuality. These systems are expected to reduce congestion, improve accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and make peak-hour travel more manageable.

Another major aspect of the plan is the shift towards local manufacturing. In line with central government norms, at least 60 per cent of the components used in new infrastructure projects must now be sourced locally. This move is aimed at reducing dependency on imports and keeping costs under control, especially given the large volumes required for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Metro project.

With daily Metro ridership already touching one million, mobility systems such as lifts and escalators are no longer seen as optional facilities. They are now considered essential elements of the overall commuter experience. To ensure consistent performance and safety, BMRCL has also decided to bundle procurement with long-term maintenance contracts that will extend up to ten years.