Bengaluru's Metro Expansion Plans Hit Roadblock Over Design and Financial Concerns

Bengaluru’s metro expansion plans have run into new uncertainty after the Union government halted progress on the proposed Red Line corridor. The ambitious Sarjapur to Hebbal route, seen as a key transport lifeline for the city’s growing residential and commercial zones, has been sent back for review over design and financial concerns. The move, which includes objections to the double decker flyover model, comes at a time when public dissatisfaction over recent metro fare hikes is already mounting. The Central government has stalled progress on Bengaluru’s proposed Metro Red Line, returning the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) for revision and rejecting plans to build double decker flyovers along the route. The proposed 37 kilometre Sarjapur to Hebbal corridor, estimated to cost ₹28,405 crore and include 28 stations, was planned as a key addition to the city’s expanding metro network. However, the Centre has raised concerns about the design and long term financial sustainability of the project, sending the proposal back for reconsideration. The decision comes at a sensitive time, with public frustration already rising over recent metro fare hikes. The development has increased pressure on the state government and the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), both of which had been pushing for rapid expansion of the city’s metro infrastructure. One of the main objections raised by the Centre relates to the proposal to construct double decker flyovers across the corridor. According to the government, while the design could help ease road congestion, it may also reduce metro usage. Officials believe that such large scale double level structures could impact ridership levels and weaken the financial viability of the project. The Centre has suggested that double decker structures should be restricted to select junctions instead of being used throughout the entire stretch. This is the second time the DPR for the Red Line corridor has been returned. Earlier concerns had been flagged regarding rising project costs, which further complicated the approval process. The state government had earlier defended the double decker approach, arguing that it would speed up construction while addressing Bengaluru’s long standing traffic challenges. However, with the latest decision, the state has been asked to drop the proposal and consider alternative single level metro designs. Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament P.C. Mohan confirmed the development, stating that the Sarjapur to Hebbal corridor is currently on hold until the revised DPR is submitted and reviewed. The delay is seen as a setback for Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure plans. The Red Line corridor was expected to connect rapidly developing residential areas with major commercial hubs, offering significant relief to daily commuters. Its suspension has raised fresh concerns about coordination between the state and the Centre in executing large scale urban transport projects. With the DPR now sent back again, the state government and BMRCL face the task of redesigning the corridor while addressing cost concerns and ensuring passenger demand remains strong. The rejection of the double decker model signals the Centre’s focus on maintaining financial sustainability and long term ridership potential over faster construction timelines. As Bengaluru continues to grapple with severe traffic congestion, the pause in the Red Line project leaves commuters waiting longer for improved public transport connectivity.