From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Oct 20: Two key sections of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation from Krishnarajapuram to Baiyappanahalli and from Kengeri to Chllaghatta were dedicated in a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday.

``Today is a memorable day for Bengaluru,’’ the Chief Minister said pointing out that joint efforts of Government of India and Government of Karnataka have helped in completion of the two vital sections between Krishnarajapura to Baiyappanahalli, a length of 2.10 Kms and Kengeri to Challaghatta, a length of 2.05 Kms of the Bangalore MetroRail Project, both of which were formally opened to the public on October 9.

``With the opening of these two vitals sections, the city is connected from East to West seamlessly and the Metro Network has increased to 74 Kms. Every Day more than 7 lakh commuters are travelling,’’ he said.

The Phase-1 of the Project was opened on 20.10.2011 for public carriage. The entire 42.3 Kms long stretch of Bangalore Metro Rail Project of Phase-1, built at a cost of Rs. 14,133 crore was dedicated to Nation on 17.06.2017 by the then President of India Pranab Mukherjee along with other dignitaries during my previous term as Chief Minister, he said.

For this project, the Government of Karnataka has released Rs 5630 crore.

The Phase-2 of the Bangalore Metro Rail project of length 75.06 Kms was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 30,695 crore.

``I am happy to inform you that a total of 32 Kms of metro line of Phase-2 has been completed and commissioned for operations including these two vital sections. The metro Network operations has increased to 74 kms,’’ he said.

The line from Nagasandra to Madavara, the North extension of 3.14 kks long and the new line from R.V. Road to Bommasandra 19.15 Kms long is nearing completion and is planned to open for public service in early 2024.

The line from KallenaAgrahara to Nagawara, a New Line of 21.26 kms long is planned to be completed by March-2025. With the completion of these lines, the operational network will increase to 117 kms and is expected to serve 12 lakhs commuters per day.

For phase-2 of the project, the Government of Karnataka has released Rs. 11583.08 crore.

``I also wish to state that the 58 Kms long Phase 2A and 2B project called the ORR-Airport metro line is being constructing at an estimated cost of Rs. 14788.10 crore. and it is planned to be completed by 2026. The Government of Karnataka has released Rs. 4775.36 crore,’’ he added.

After completion of ongoing projects, the Operational Metro network by 2026 will be 176 Kms and it is expected to serve 20 lakh passengers per day.

He said: ``To meet the growing demand, DPR for, Phase-3 of Bangalore Metro Rail project for a length of 45 kms at an estimated cost of Rs. 15,611 crore has been submitted to the Government of India for approval. I request
Prime Minister to approve the project early.

The DPR is under preparation for Phase-3A of the Bangalore Metro Rail project from Sarjapura to Hebbal for length of 37 kms.

Bangalore has been growing at a faster pace and the Karnataka government has approved to construct 317 Kms of metro lines under Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) by the year 2031, of which 257 kms are under operation, construction and planning stage. The remaining 60 kms of metro lines feasibility survey will be taken up shortly.

``I extend my sincere thanks to all the contractors working on this project. I also extend my thanks to more than 14,000 of workers engaged in this project,’’ he added.