Centre puts brake on Bengaluru Metro Red Line Project

Centre halts Bengaluru Metro Red Line, rejecting double-decker flyovers. The ₹28,405 crore Sarjapur–Hebbal corridor DPR is sent back for review

Bengaluru’s ambitious Metro expansion has hit a major roadblock, with the Central Government rejecting key proposals tied to the Red Line corridor. The 37-km stretch from Sarjapur to Hebbal, planned with 28 stations and a project cost of ₹28,405 crore, has been sent back for reconsideration.

The setback comes amid public discontent over recent metro fare hikes, adding pressure on the state Congress government and the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL). The Centre has raised objections to the state’s plan of constructing double-decker flyovers along the corridor, arguing that such a design would reduce passenger numbers and undermine financial viability.

According to the Centre, while double-deckers may ease road traffic, they risk discouraging metro ridership. The government has insisted that such structures be limited to select junctions rather than implemented across the entire route. This marks the second time the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been returned, with earlier concerns raised over escalating costs.

The state government had defended its double-decker strategy, claiming it would accelerate construction and simultaneously address Bengaluru’s chronic traffic congestion. However, the Centre’s rejection forces a rethink, with instructions to scrap the plan and explore single-level metro alternatives.

Member of Parliament P.C. Mohan publicly announced the decision, confirming that the Sarjapur–Hebbal corridor is now on hold pending review. The move has dealt a significant blow to the state’s infrastructure ambitions, particularly as it struggles to manage public backlash over fare increases.

Also Read: Mandatory service charge declared illegal across all the restaurants in the country

For Bengaluru, the Red Line was envisioned as a crucial link connecting fast-growing residential and commercial hubs. Its delay not only affects commuters but also raises questions about coordination between state and central authorities on urban transport planning.

With the DPR sent back yet again, the state government and BMRCL face the challenge of revising designs, balancing financial feasibility, and regaining public trust. The rejection of the double-decker plan underscores the Centre’s cautious approach, prioritizing ridership sustainability over rapid construction.

At a time when Bengaluru’s traffic woes demand urgent solutions, the halt on the Red Line project represents a significant setback, leaving the city’s commuters waiting longer for relief

Also Read: Karnataka Bandh: trade unions, farmers, and workers join forces