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NAMMA METRO

Namma Metro (Our Metro / The Bangalore Metro) is the proposed mass-transit rail system for the city of Bangalore, India. The agency responsible for its implementation is Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL). Navayuga Engineering has been awarded the contract to construct Reach 1 on the East-West line. Five consortia have been shortlisted as general consultants for the project.

A detailed project report prepared by the DMRC and RITES envisaged a 33km elevated and underground rail network with 32 stations for Phase I of the project. The proposed gauge is standard gauge unlike the broad gauge on the Delhi Metro network.

In 2007, BMRCL announced that it would incorporate a northern extension (from Yeshwantpur to Hessarghatta Cross) and part of the southern extension (from RV Road to Jarganahalli) in Phase I, thus extending the length of Phase I network to about 42 km, with 40 stations. The objective of this was to connect the Metro to the Outer Ring Road at both ends, as also cover the Industrial areas of Peenya in the North-West, thereby providing better connectivity and increasing ridership.In October 2008, the Government of Karnataka approved this extension, which would cost an additional Rs.1592 crore.

Construction work was scheduled to start in 2005 but was delayed by a February 2006 change of government in the state of Karnataka and continued debate over whether the project is financially feasible and appropriate for the city. On 25 April 2006 the Indian cabinet approved the project, which is now budgeted at more than 54.5 billion rupees (about US$1.2 billion). The foundation stone was laid by PM Manmohan Singh on June 24, 2006. Construction on Reach-1 of the project between MG Road and Baiyyappanahalli commenced in 2007, and work on Phase-1 of the project is scheduled to be completed by 2012.