The Karnataka government on Thursday gave its approval to begin construction of the infrastructure required for Phase-3 of the Metro Rail transport system in Bengaluru. Phase-3 would cover a distance of 44.65 km. It will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore. The project is likely to be completed by 2028.
Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the project will cover the entire Outer Ring Road (ORR). According to news agency PTI, the first metro rail line will be built from Hebbal to JP Nagar, covering a distance of 32.15 km.
The second line will pass through Gorguntepalya, Magadi Road, Mysuru Road and touch JP Nagar. Phase-3 includes Hosahalli in Vijayanagar, from Hosahalli to Magadi Road up to Kadabagere, covering a distance of approximately 12.5 km.
Speaking to reporters, Gowda said, “It will pass from JP Nagar to Silk Board, Silk Board to KR Puram, and from KR Puram to Hebbal. It will continue from Hebbal and will cross Tumakuru Road from near Dr Rajkumar’s memorial and will cross Magadi Road, Mysuru Road, Kanakapura Road and join JP Nagar. It will cover the entire Outer Ring Road,” as quoted by PTI..
According to the minister, a feasibility test has been done and the Centre has also given its approval for the expansion. “The BMRCL has said in its note that it can finish (Phase-3) by 2028. The state government will bear 80 to 85 per cent cost of the project. We expect 13 to 15 per cent from the Centre,” Gowda said, as quoted by PTI.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the Center has implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act only for the purpose of elections and this is the BJP's election gimmick, as reported by news agency ANI. Speaking to the media in Udupi, he said the BJP is afraid of defeat in the Lok Sabha elections.
Responding to the media's question about the Chief Minister's stance on the implementation of the Citizenship Act in the state, he said that the BJP kept silent about it for so many years and implemented it just before the elections.