ORR-KIA metro line likely to be ready in 4.5 years

Bengaluru: On Tuesday, as a relief to Bengalureans, the Centre decided to resume the long-pending Outer Ring Road-Kempegowda International Airport Metro corridor.

After a Union cabinet meeting, railway minister, Piyush Goyal said, “The government has approved Bengaluru Metro’s Phase 2A from Central Silk Board Junction to KR Puram and Phase 2B from KR Puram to Kempegowda International Airport via Hebbal Junction, spanning 58 km in total. The project cost is Rs 14,788 crore.”

The line will pass through its IT corridor housing several multinational companies as well as areas like Silk Board, Bellandur, Marathahalli, KR Puram, Nagawara, Hebbal, Yelahanka and KIA. A statement issued by the central government said, “The project will streamline the urban transportation system in Bengaluru, which is stressed due to intensive developments, increase in the number of private vehicles and heavy construction putting stress on travel infrastructure and industrial activities, and provide the people safe, secure, reliable and comfortable public transport.”

Chief minister, BS Yediyurappa said that this will enhance the ease of living for citizens by decongesting the city.

“Once completed in the estimated 54 months, this project will play a key role in decongesting the city, which contributes 40% of India’s IT exports and is home to a large number of IT parks, hubs and industries, many of which are located in the route”, said Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs.

He added, “This connectivity… Will ease traffic connection on roads leading to the airport. It will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

BMRCL had prepared a detailed project report for ORR metro in 2016 at a cost of Rs 4,202 crore. It was to be functional by 2021. However, the plan was put off as the project didn’t get clearance. The agency is now planning to make it operational by 2025-2026.