Efforts to ease B'luru traffic conditions & reduce pollution

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: While presenting the state budget for 2024-25, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that promoting public transport is his priority to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in Bengaluru.

He said that integrating various modes of transport such as metro rail, suburban rail and bus services of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will help achieve the goal in the state capital.

The chief minister said that by March 2025, an additional 44 km will be added to the existing 74 km of Metro lines.

Furthermore, Metro Rail project Phase-2 and Phase-2A from Outer Ring Road to Airport Road will be completed by June 2026.

He also announced that the Metro Rail Service in the city has achieved operational profit for the first time.

Siddaramaiah also pointed out that the state government has accorded administrative approval for works under Namma Metro Phase-3 at an estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore.

Approval of the central government is awaited, he said. A draft Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for construction of a Metro Line from Sarjapura to Agara, Koramangala, Dairy Circle and connecting to Hebbal via Mekhri Circle under Namma Metro Phase-3A.

This project will also be submitted to the Centre for approval, the chief minister said.

A feasibility report will be prepared for extending Metro Rail from Bangalore International Exhibition Centre to Tumakuru and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to Devanahalli through a Public Private Partnership, Siddaramaiah said.

He said Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) shich was moving at a 'snail's pace,' has picked up momentum after his government assumed power.

Civil works for Corridor-2 from Baiyappanahalli to Chikkabanavara are being implemented speedily and work orders have been issued for construction of a 46.2 km long line from Heelalige to Rajanukunte under Corridor-4, he said, elaborating about BSRP.