Bengaluru’s highly anticipated Namma Metro Phase 3 is finally on track! The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is set to issue tenders for crucial civil works this very month, marking a significant step forward for the project.
After receiving the green light from the Union Cabinet almost a year ago, this ambitious project, affectionately dubbed the ‘Orange Line,’ is now moving into a vital implementation phase.
According to a high-ranking BMRCL official, the tender invitations for the project’s civil components are imminent. “We are meticulously finalizing the tender documents,” the official stated. “Our strategy involves releasing these tenders in several packages, which will cover everything from constructing the viaducts and stations to installing tracks and developing depots. We anticipate that construction will kick off by December 2025 or January 2026, right after the bidding process wraps up.”
To guarantee swift progress and streamline coordination among various contractors, the construction efforts will be segmented into a minimum of eight distinct contract packages.
Namma Metro Phase 3 is designed to include two extensive corridors, stretching a combined total of 44.65 kilometers and featuring 31 elevated stations. The first corridor will span 32.15 km, connecting J.P. Nagar Phase 4 to Kempapura. The second corridor will cover 12.5 km, linking Hosahalli to Kadabagere.
This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of ₹15,611 crore, was officially inaugurated on August 10, 2025. During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only opened the Yellow Line, which connects R.V. Road to Bommasandra, but also laid the foundation stone for Phase 3.
A standout innovation in this phase is the planned integration of double-decker flyovers strategically placed along certain sections of the metro corridor.
Project Timeline and Challenges
BMRCL officials revealed that integrating these double-decker viaducts necessitated significant design revisions. An official elaborated, “These changes led to an increase in the alignment’s height, demanding broader roads and approximately 25% more land for constructing the station structures.”
Although initially slated for completion by 2029 or mid-2030, the project’s new target completion date is now May 2031. The official noted, “We anticipate construction will span about five and a half years once work commences. While the double-decker flyovers will undoubtedly offer substantial long-term benefits in reducing traffic, they have also extended the overall project timeline by roughly a year.”
Phase 3 has been meticulously planned to boost connectivity with both existing and future metro lines, promising a smoother commuting experience across Bengaluru. These new corridors will feature numerous interchange stations, linking with crucial parts of the Namma Metro system. Key connections include Peenya and J.P. Nagar stations on the Green Line, Mysuru Road on the Purple Line, and Sumanahalli along the Hosahalli–Kadabagere corridor.
Specifically, J.P. Nagar Phase 4 will connect to the Pink Line near Bannerghatta Road, and Hebbal is poised to become a vital interchange, linking the Blue Line (towards Kempegowda International Airport) and the Red Line (between Hebbal and Sarjapur). These strategic interconnections are projected to dramatically enhance last-mile connectivity and decrease the city’s reliance on road transportation.
Funding and Anticipated Impact
The total estimated cost for this ambitious project stands at ₹15,611 crore. A significant portion, around ₹7,577 crore, will be secured through loans. Additionally, about ₹450 crore is projected to come from non-fare revenue streams, including station naming rights, commercial advertisements, and property development initiatives. The remaining funds will be provided through budgetary support from both the Central and State governments.
Upon its completion, the Orange Line will extend metro services to the western sections of the Outer Ring Road and unlock access to previously underserved areas along Magadi Road. This new line is expected to serve approximately 7.85 lakh commuters daily, offering much-needed relief to Bengaluru’s bustling population.
Ultimately, with Phase 3 fully operational, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro network will reach an impressive total length of 222.2 kilometers.