Bengaluru: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) is likely to drop its plan for an end-to-end double-decker flyover along Namma Metro’s Orange Line JP Nagar to Kempapura and Hosahalli to Kadabagere) under Phase III. Instead, it is considering shorter double-decker stretches at major junctions notorious for traffic gridlocks.BMRCL had earlier planned to build a 37km double-decker structure, with a road flyover at the first level and Metro viaduct at the second level. Following suggestions by engineering consultancy RITES, BMRCL is considering reducing the double-decker length to 11km. BMRCL will take up the matter with the state govt.RITES, which recently submitted its report to BMRCL, flagged concerns that continuous additional road capacity could encourage greater use of private vehicles and dilute the objective of the Metro project — shifting commuters from private transport to public transport.The consultancy pointed to engineering challenges. At several junctions, the combined structure could rise to 35 metres to cross existing flyovers and Metro corridors, making construction and operations more complex. The report noted that the Metro-only project has an economic internal rate of return (EIRR) of about 17%, while the figure with the double-decker component falls below the 14% benchmark.The western Outer Ring Road (ORR) has multiple traffic bottlenecks, including Hebbal, BEL Circle, Goraguntepalya, Sumanahalli Cross, Nagarbhavi stretch, Nayandahalli, Kamakya Junction, Sarakki Junction, Delmia flyover stretch, and Vega City Mall. Which stretches BMRCL eventually chooses for the double-decker structure will be crucial.In 2023, the state govt had submitted the Phase III detailed project report to the Centre. In Aug 2024, the Union govt approved Phase III, covering two corridors — Kempapura to JP Nagar on ORR and Hosahalli to Kadabagere on Magadi Road — with a total length of 45km.With a proposal to ease traffic congestion on the road, DK Shivakumar, who was then handling the Bengaluru development portfolio as deputy chief minister, pushed for constructing a 37km double-decker flyover at an estimated cost of Rs 9,700 crore, with the state agreeing to bear the cost.The project was delayed as feasibility studies, designs and other related works had to be carried out following the new proposal. In Aug 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Phase III, but work on the project is yet to begin. Earlier, Shivakumar had sought early approval for the double-decker project from the central govt.Bangalore Development Authority recently proposed a six-lane tunnel from Kanteerava Studio to BEL Circle via Goraguntepalya and floated tenders for preparing a detailed project report for the project.
