The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday approved three new metro projects in Pune, Bengaluru and Thane, in a bid to ease traffic congestion and provide efficient transportation. The cabinet approved two corridors of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3 project for 44.65 km with 31 stations, 29-km Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project corridor, and a 5.45 km extension of Phase-1 of Pune metro.
The cabinet also approved the development of Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal and an army airport into a civilian airport at Bihta, Bihar.
Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3
The Union Cabinet also approved the Phase-3 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project with two elevated corridors for a length of 44.65 Km with 31 stations. Corridor-1 from JP Nagar 4thPhase to Kempapura (along Outer Ring Road West) for a length of 32.15 Km with 22 stations and Corridor-2 from Hosahalli to Kadabagere (along Magadi Road) for a length of 12.50 Km with 9 stations.
On operationalization of Phase-3, Bengaluru city will have 220.20 Km of active Metro Rail Network. The total completion cost of the project is Rs.15,611 crore.
The Cabinet has approved two corridors for Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-3: Corridor-1 will run from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura with 21 stations, while Corridor-2 will connect Hosahalli to Kadabagere with 9 stations. #CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/IvLsgLsWfK
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) August 16, 2024
Benefits of the Project:
The Phase-3 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project represents a significant advancement in the city’s infrastructure development. Phase-3 acts as a major expansion of the Metro Rail Network in the city.
Enhanced Connectivity:
Phase-3 will add approximately 44.65 Km of new metro lines, connecting the western part of the city of Bengaluru that were previously underserved. Phase-3 will integrate key areas of the city which includes Peenya Industrial Area, IT industries on Bannerghatta road and Outer Ring Road, Textile and Engineering items Manufacturing units on Tumkuru Road and ORR, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Major educational institutions like PES University, Ambedkar College, Polytechnic College, KLE College, Dayanandsagar University, ITI etc. Phase-3 corridors also provide connectivity to the Southern part of the city, Outer Ring Road West, Magadi road and various neighbourhoods, enhancing overall connectivity in the city. Improved last mile connectivity to commercial centres, industrial hubs, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities will facilitate better access for residents.
Reduction in Traffic Congestion:
Metro Rail as an efficient alternate road transport and with Phase-3 as an extension to the Metro Rail network in the Bengaluru city is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and will be particularly impactful on heavily congested routes of the Outer Ring Road West, Magadi road and other major arterial roads of the city. Reduction in road traffic can lead to smoother movement of vehicles, reduction in travel time, increasing overall road safety etc.
Environmental Benefits:
The addition of Phase-3 Metro Rail Project and increase in overall Metro Rail Network in Bengaluru city, can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based transport.
Economic Growth:
Reduced travel times and improved access to different parts of the city can enhance productivity by allowing individuals to reach their workplaces more efficiently. The construction and operation of Phase-3 will generate numerous jobs in various sectors, from construction workers to administrative staff and maintenance personnel. Also, the enhanced connectivity can stimulate local businesses, especially in areas near new metro stations which can also attract investment and development in previously less accessible regions.
Social Impact:
The expansion of Phase-3 Metro Rail network in Bengaluru will provide more equitable access to public transport, benefiting diverse socio-economic groups and reducing transport disparities which will contribute to a higher quality of life by reducing commute times and improving access to essential services.
Multi-Modal Integration& Last Mile Connectivity:
Multi-Modal Integration is planned at 10 locations at JP Nagar 4th Phase, JP Nagar, Kamakya, Mysore Road, Sumanahalli, Peenya, BEL Circle, Hebbal, Kempapura, Hosahalli and provides interchanges with existing and under construction Metro Stations, BMTC Bus stands, Indian Railway Stations, proposed Suburban (K-RIDE) Stations.
All the Phase-3 stations are proposed with dedicated bus bays, Pick up and drop off bays, Pedestrian Paths, IPT/Auto Rickshaw stands. BMTC is already running feeder buses to the operational metro stations and the same will be extended to the Phase-3 stations also. Parking facilities have been provided at 11 important stations. The existing stations of Phase-1 & Phase-2 are integrated with proposed stations of Phase-3.Direct connectivity through FoBs/Skywalks to two Railway stations (Lottegollahali and Hebbal). At Phase-3 metro stations, provision for bikes and cycles sharing facility has also been provided.
Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project
The 29-km corridor will run along the periphery of west side of Thane city with 22 Stations. The network is encompassed by Ulhas River on one side and Sanjay Gandhi National Park [SGNP] on the other.
This connectivity would provide a sustainable and efficient mode of transport, facilitating the city to realize its economic potential and ease traffic congestion on the roads. The project is also expected to contribute to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs.12,200.10 crore, with equal equity from Government of India and Government of Maharashtra as well as part-funding from bilateral agencies.
The Cabinet has approved the Thane Ring Metro Rail Project with a budget of ₹12,200 crore.
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) August 16, 2024
The project will link key areas such as Naupada, Wagle Estate, Dongripada, Hiranandani Estate, Kolshet, and Saket. #CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/QslROiglzn
Funds would also be raised through innovative financing methods such as by selling Station naming and access rights for corporate, monetization of assets, Value Capture Financing route.
The corridor that connects major business hubs would provide an effective transport option for large section of employees. The Project is likely to be completed by 2029.
More importantly, the Metro line would benefit thousands of daily commuters, especially students and those commuting every day to office and work area by providing faster and economical transport options. The project would result in total daily ridership on the metro corridors for the years 2029, 2035 and 2045 by 6.47 Lakh, 7.61 lakh & 8.72 lakh passengers respectively.
Maha Metro will execute the project, along with civil, electromechanical, other associated facilities, works and related assets. Maha-Metro has already started the pre-bid activities and preparation of Tender documents. The contracts will be floated immediately for bidding.
Pune Metro Phase-1 extension
The union cabinet approved the Swargate to Katraj Underground Line Extension of the existing PCMC-Swargate Metro Line of Pune Metro Phase-I project. This new extension is known as the Line-l B extension and will span 5.46 km and will include three underground stations, connecting key areas such as Market Yard, Bibwewadi, Balaji Nagar, and the Katraj suburbs.
The project, aimed at providing seamless connectivity in Pune, is set to be completed by February, 2029.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs.2954.53 crore, with funding to be equally shared by the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, along with contributions from bilateral agencies, etc.
This extension will integrate with the Swargate Multimodal Hub, which includes the Metro Station, the MSRTC Bus Stand, and the PMPML Bus Stand, providing seamless connectivity for commuters within and outside Pune City. This extension will enhance connectivity between the southernmost part of Pune, the northern parts of Pune and the eastern and western regions via the District Court interchange station, providing seamless connectivity for commuting within and outside Pune City.
The Cabinet has approved the extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 from Swargate to Katraj, covering 5.46 km, with a total cost of ₹2,954.53 crore, expected to be completed by 2029. #CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/wNxXzcxxoT
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) August 16, 2024
The Swargate to Katraj Underground Line will significantly alleviate road traffic congestion and provide a safer, more comfortable travel experience by minimizing the risk of accidents, pollution, and travel time, thus supporting sustainable urban development.
The new corridor will link various bus stops, railway stations, recreational centers like the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park,Taljaihillock (tekdi), malls, etc., various residential areas, educational institutions, colleges, and major business hubs. It will provide a faster and more economical transport option, benefiting thousands of daily commuters, especially students, small business owners and professionals traveling to offices and business centers. The projected daily ridership on the Swargate-Katraj Line for the years 2027, 2037, 2047, and 2057 is estimated to be 95,000,1.58 lakh, 1.87 lakh, and 1.97 lakh passengers, respectively.
The project will be executed by Maha-Metro, which will oversee civil, electro-mechanical, and other associated facilities and works. Maha-Metro has already begun pre-bid activities and is preparing tender documents, with contracts expected to be floated for bidding shortly.
This strategic expansion is expected to unlock Pune’s economic potential, providing a significant boost to the city’s infrastructure and contributing to its sustainable development.
New civil enclave at Bihta
In a move to address the impending saturation of Patna Airport, the Cabinet has approved the development of a new civil enclave at Bihta, Bihar. With an investment of Rs. 1,413 crore, this project includes the construction of a new Integrated Terminal Building designed to handle up to 3,000 peak-hour passengers, with an annual capacity of 50 lakh passengers, expandable to one crore.
The Cabinet has approved the development of a new Civil Enclave at Bihta, Bihar, with an estimated cost of ₹1,413 crore.
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) August 16, 2024
The project will include an apron to accommodate 10 parking bays for A-321, B-737-800, and A-320-type aircraft. #CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/1zkHIfoG87
The new terminal will span 66,000 square meters and will be equipped with modern facilities, including an apron capable of accommodating 10 parking bays for aircraft like the A-321 and B-737-800. This development is crucial for catering to the growing passenger demand in Bihar and is expected to significantly enhance the region’s connectivity.
New Civil Enclave at Bagdgora Airport
The Cabinet has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a new civil enclave at Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, West Bengal, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,549 crore.
The Cabinet has approved the construction of a new Civil Enclave at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, with an estimated cost of ₹1,549 crore.
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) August 16, 2024
The project will feature an apron to accommodate 10 parking bays for A-321-type aircraft. #CabinetDecisions pic.twitter.com/lLPsgIjFjb
The new terminal building will cover 70,390 sqm and is designed to handle 3,000 Peak Hour Passengers (PHP), with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers. The project will include the construction of an apron with 10 parking bays for A-321 aircraft, two link taxiways, and multi-level car parking. The terminal will also focus on sustainability, featuring a green building design that incorporates renewable energy sources and maximizes natural lighting to reduce its environmental impact.
This development is set to enhance Bagdogra Airport’s operational efficiency and passenger experience, further solidifying its importance as a key air travel hub for the region.
