In a major revision aimed at reducing environmental damage, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is likely to scale down its earlier proposal to cut over 11,000 trees for the upcoming Namma Metro Phase 3 project. The revised plan now estimates the felling of approximately 6,000 trees.
According to the Detailed Project Report, around 11,137 trees were initially expected to be impacted across the 44.65-km-long stretch that comprises two corridors. However, BMRCL clarified that this figure included both trees slated for removal and those that might be transplanted, subject to technical feasibility and environmental assessments that are still underway.
The revised decision comes after the BMRCL has been receiving feedback from multiple stakeholders during public consultation meetings happening on the metro phase 3 project.
“As a public infrastructure developer, we have a responsibility to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability. After carefully reviewing suggestions so far we got from citizens, we have been reworking our design and engineering plans to reduce the number of trees that need to be felled. We are also looking at large-scale transplantation wherever possible. Our aim is to implement the project with minimal ecological disruption,” said a senior BMRCL official involved in the planning process.
About the project
Phase 3 of the metro, referred to as the Orange Line, is entirely elevated and aims to decongest traffic-heavy areas in the western part of the city. The two new corridors are set to integrate with the existing metro network, significantly enhancing intra-city connectivity. Corridor 1 will stretch 32.15 km from J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura, while Corridor 2 will run 12.5 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere.
Though the project received all statutory clearances, including approval from the Union Cabinet in August last year, construction has been delayed due to changes in the original alignment. One of the major revisions involves the construction of double-decker viaducts along certain stretches accommodating both metro and road traffic, which required fresh planning and feasibility analysis.
The BMRCL has projected that upon completion in 2029, the Phase 3 extension will serve an estimated 7.85 lakh daily commuters, taking the total length of the Bengaluru metro network to 222.2 km. In anticipation of the environmental impact, the agency has proposed a compensatory afforestation initiative valued at ₹43.53 crore as part of its environmental monitoring strategy, according to officials.
Key interchange stations are planned along the new corridors to enhance integration with existing lines. These include Peenya and J.P. Nagar on the Green Line, Mysuru Road on the Purple Line, and Sumanahalli on Corridor 2. J.P. Nagar Phase 4 will also provide a link to the Pink Line at Bannerghatta Road, while Hebbal is expected to function as a major interchange between the Blue Line (airport route) and Red Line (Hebbal–Sarjapur route).
As of now, BMRCL has acquired about 26,811 square meters of land mostly for Corridor 1 connecting J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Mysuru Road Metro Station. For this corridor alone, an additional 1,29,743 square meters has been earmarked, involving 777 private properties.
An official said, “Any further land required will be acquired in coordination with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), with a strong emphasis on minimising disruptions to existing road infrastructure, flyovers, and underpasses.”
The ₹15,611 crore project is being funded through a mix of sources ₹7,577 crore in loans and ₹450 crore from non-fare revenues, including advertising rights and station naming deals. The rest is expected to be covered through central and state government contributions.
Published – July 29, 2025 09:30 pm IST
