Bengaluru: The demand to extend Namma Metro from Madavara to Nelamangala is gaining momentum, with public representatives pitching for a 14-km extension to the satellite town on NH-48.The proposal comes amid discussions on whether extending the Metro all the way to Tumakuru is viable, with govt also considering proposing an RRTS (regional rapid transit system) link between Nelamangala and Tumakuru in future.The development follows the submission of a detailed project report (DPR) by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for extending Metro by around 60km from Madavara, the present Green Line terminal station, towards Tumakuru near BIEC.Sources said govt is now examining whether the Metro should instead be extended only up to Nelamangala, while a faster regional rail system could subsequently connect the town with Tumakuru. Nelamangala MLA Shreenivasaiah N said he recently urged chief minister DK Shivakumar to extend Metro to the town, considering its rapid urbanisation and growing traffic.“We asked the CM to extend Metro by 14km from Madavara station. The CM, too, was convinced that there is a need to address traffic issues and directed BMRCL to take necessary action in this regard,” he said.The MLA said the Metro should ideally be extended up to Kunigal bypass. He said a station at the junction will benefit passengers travelling to Bengaluru from Tumakuru and other parts of the region. “People travelling long-distance by KSRTC and other buses can reach Bengaluru much faster. Those coming from Tumakuru side can also park their vehicles and take Metro to the city,” he said.The earlier proposal to take the Metro up to Tumakuru was estimated to cost Rs 20,000 crore if implemented under public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, extending an elevated Metro corridor over such a long distance has raised questions over its financial viability. Several transport experts suggested that Metro should cater to urban stretches, while RRTS or suburban rail be used to connect Bengaluru with neighbouring districts.The Nelamangala proposal is among several corridors being discussed for the future expansion of Namma Metro. These include KR Pura-Hoskote, Challaghatta-Bidadi, Silk Institute-Harohalli and Bommasandra-Attibele.
