Government approves Namma Metro Phase 2 expansion to Challaghatta.

The State government, recently, passed an order approving establishment of a new station and multi-level parking at Challaghatta at an estimated cost of Rs. 140 crore as part of Phase 2 of the Namma Metro project.

The government also agreed to provide funding of Rs.70 crore for the project. The balance has to be financed by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Under the proposal, the Phase 2 includes extension of East-West line beyond Kengeri till Challaghatta, a distance of 1.8 km. The depot for the extended line would be established at Challaghatta. This project would include construction of 500 metres of additional viaduct, construction of an elevated station and multi-level parking at Challaghatta.

According to the BMRCL, additional land is not required.

“As the metro line is already going up to Challaghatta for the depot, the last stretch beyond Kengeri over a length of 1.65 km can be utilised to provide services to commuters instead of using that line for depot operations alone. It is estimated that 15,500 commuters will avail the metro services daily in 2022 when the proposed station is likely to be commissioned,” the BMRCL said in its proposal to the government.

On why the multi-level parking is being planned at Challaghatta, the BMRCL said in its proposal that parking is not possible at Kengeri station as land is not available. As a result, commuters coming from Bidadi, Ramanagar, Channapatna, Mandya and Mysuru would need to travel up to Milasandra station for parking their vehicle before boarding a train. Such commuters will benefit from the proposed infrastructure at Challaghatta, the BMRCL said.

“Challaghatta station would also provide better connectivity to Nada Prabhu Kempegowda Layout, which is being developed by BDA. There are certain institutions, such as SDM Ayurvedic College, Raja Rajeshwari Medical College, Fiscal Policy Institute, and IBS Bengaluru at Challaghatta. People heading to these institutions are expected to benefit,” the BMRCL said in its proposal.

First six-coach on Green Line flagged off

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy flagged off the first six-coach train on the Green Line recently.

Flagging off the first six-coach train on the Green Line at Mantri Square station, Mr. Kumaraswamy hoped the move would help ease congestion, especially during morning and evening peak hours. He added that the first coach would be reserved for women.

“I usually travel between 7 and 8 a.m. There is a huge rush to board the metro. A few times, I have had to leave the train because of the crowd. The new six-coach train will help commuters and solve the overcrowding issue,” said Varnika M., 19, a college student and a regular metro user.

BMRCL also added two six-coach trains to the three already running on the Purple Line on Monday.

THE HINDU