Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will shortly commence preliminary works related to land acquisition for Phase 3 of the Namma Metro project.
In the first stage, 100 acres of land has been identified for building a depot and viaducts on some of the stretches of the corridor. A joint survey of the properties identified for acquisition is expected to start shortly, according to officials.
BMRCL has a plan to build two Metro lines under Phase 3 — Kempapura to JP Nagar (on a distance of 32.1km) on Outer Ring Road and a 12.5-km line from Hosahalli to Kadabagere on Magadi Road. Final approval for the project is pending before the central government. As per the directions of the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs, BMRCL has made modifications in the procurement of rolling stock for the Magadi Road line.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 15,600 crore. In November 2022, the state government had given its approval for project.
Recently, the finance department gave consent to initiate land acquisition, with a rider that the state cabinet’s approval is a must before incurring expenditure towards compensating the properties. Sources in BMRCL said it would take six months to complete the process of land acquisition and take possession of the properties.
“Out of the 100 acres of land, 75 acres is identified for the construction of a depot on Magadi Road near Byadarahalli police station. The proposed depot will help both lines proposed under Phase 3 of the project. Once built, this will be the largest Metro depot in the city, next to Peenya which is spread over 100 acres. This alignment passes through Peenya. As per the plans, access will be provided to the existing Peenya depot as well. For the construction of viaducts, 25 acres of land has been identified. Shortly, the joint survey of properties will be done, following which preliminary notification will be issued,” an official of the BMRCL said.
The official added that the planning section of BMRCL has been asked to submit land acquisition requirements for every 10km of the proposed lines. “Alignment of the proposed line is along the median of the road. For station construction, the planning section is finalising the land requirement by looking into various aspects. For every 10-km stretch, notification will be issued for acquisition of properties,” the official said.