Amid widespread public criticism, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Sunday invited tenders to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for extending metro services to Tumakuru, starting from Madavara on the existing Green Line.
The proposed 59.60 km line will include 25 stations in the northern part of the city. According to the State government’s earlier Budget estimates, the project will cost ₹20,649 crore. Interested contractors must submit their tender documents by November 20, and the bids will be opened the following day.
This move follows Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s announcement that the government had accepted a feasibility report prepared by Hyderabad-based Aarvee Associates Architects Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. BMRCL had submitted the report to the government in May this year. The proposed extension falls under Namma Metro’s Phase 4, which primarily focuses on extending existing lines.
However, the project has triggered widespread debate over the need for such an expensive initiative when multiple other agencies are already working on improving connectivity to Tumakuru, which lies about 70 km from the city centre.
Railway Infrastructure Development Company Karnataka (K-RIDE) has proposed a suburban link to Tumakuru, and South Western Railway also has plans to expand infrastructure to improve connectivity between the two districts.
One of the key requirements in the DPR is the preparation of an Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) to ensure that all reasonable transportation alternatives are evaluated. The AAR will also outline the impacts of the project and present stakeholder opinions. Its primary objective is to identify the locally preferred alternative, offering clarity on the project’s importance.
Criticism
Civic groups argue that a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is more appropriate for inter-district connectivity than a metro line, which they say is better suited for intra-city use in places like Bengaluru. As the project crosses district boundaries, the groups also argue that travel costs could end up being higher than existing bus or train options.
L.S. Tejasvi Surya, MP for South Bangalore, questioned the proposal on X. “Tumakuru needs world-class connectivity to Bengaluru. No doubt. But is metro the right option?”
He added, “The Congress government is repeatedly getting the fundamentals wrong—from tunnel roads to inter-city metro proposals, these arbitrary and ill-considered decisions are denying citizens basic civic amenities.”
What should be in the DPR?
The DPR should assess the existing city profile, land use, and transport characteristics and review earlier studies such as the Master Plan, Comprehensive Mobility Plan, and previous metro proposals. The consultant must analyse present and future travel demand through surveys, modelling, calibration, and ridership estimation.
Key tasks include identifying suitable transit technology and detailing the corridor alignment with respect to road geometry, geotechnical conditions, land requirements, and utility mapping.
Station planning must address layouts, accessibility, multimodal integration, non-motorised transport provisions, and platform capacity. An Intermodal Integration Plan is required to ensure physical, operational, fare, and institutional integration with existing transport modes.
The DPR must also address train operations, signalling (preferably CBTC GoA4), telecommunications, fare collection systems, rolling stock specifications, power and traction systems, ventilation and air-conditioning, and depot planning. Environmental and social impact assessments, disaster management strategies, and safety measures must be thoroughly detailed.
Cost estimation, financial modelling, funding options, and sensitivity analyses are mandatory. Finally, the consultant must propose an implementation plan and institutional framework and conduct stakeholder consultations at key stages.
Published – November 17, 2025 10:17 pm IST
