Bengaluru-Tumakuru metro extension gains momentum as BMRCL begins DPR process

BMRCL moves ahead with plans to extend metro connectivity from Madavara to Tumakuru, calling tenders for a detailed project report covering a 59.6 km stretch with 25 stations.

The long-discussed plan to extend Bengaluru’s Namma Metro beyond city limits towards Tumakuru has taken a major step forward. Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has called tenders to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a 59.6 km metro corridor from Madavara station on Tumakuru Road to the KSRTC bus stand in Tumakuru city.

The proposed route will pass through Nelamangala and Dabaspet, covering largely rural and semi-urban stretches. A total of 25 stations are expected to be developed along the line. The feasibility study for the route was previously completed by a Hyderabad-based firm, which was awarded ₹3 crore for the study.

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According to the tender, the section between Nelamangala and Tumakuru may feature high-speed metro services, while the Madavara-Nelamangala stretch will operate standard metro trains. The DPR will also examine alternative modes such as suburban rail and RRTS before finalising the model.

The corridor is estimated to cost ₹20,649 crore, and Tumakuru district in-charge minister Dr. G. Parameshwara has proposed implementing the project through a public-private partnership. Though the extension could boost connectivity and development around Tumakuru, especially areas like Dabaspet and the upcoming Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) “Queen City” zone, questions remain about affordability.

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The distance between Bengaluru’s Majestic and Tumakuru is 70 km, and with metro fares currently at ₹3 per km, end-to-end travel could cost around ₹210. In comparison, the present KSRTC bus fare is ₹91. This has raised concerns about whether the metro will remain economically feasible for daily commuters.

Despite these challenges, officials argue that a metro link could significantly improve mobility and accelerate growth in Tumakuru district. The DPR will determine the project’s financial and technical viability before further approvals.