Bengaluru's rapidly expanding metro network could soon extend closer to the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border with the proposed Namma Metro Yellow Line from Bommasandra to Attibele by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). It will make connections for lakhs of commuters who come to the city’s industrial hubs and residential suburbs easier and improve public transport infrastructure in the city’s southern region.
The extension will span approximately 10.5 km and will be constructed as an elevated line. The route will start from the existing terminal in Bommasandra and reach Attibele near the state border. The project will benefit employment in industrial areas, residents of the rapidly growing suburban areas, and daily commuters at the Hosur Road junction.
The proposal comes at a time when discussions about a larger interstate metro project between Bengaluru and Hosur have gained momentum. Although Tamil Nadu has shown a desire to build a metro from Hosur to Bommasandra, Karnataka has said that various operational and administrative challenges make such an interstate project difficult to develop.
Nine New Metro Stations Proposed
BMRCL has identified nine locations for new metro stations along the proposed extension. These stations are expected to serve key residential, commercial, healthcare, and industrial areas along the route.
The proposed stations include:
- Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences Station (approximately 1.5 km south of Bommasandra)
- Chandapura Circle Station
- Old Chandapura Station
- Thirumagondanahalli Station
- Balagaranahalli Station
- Attibele Industrial Area Station
- Yadavanahalli Station
- Attibele Station
- Attibele Terminal Station near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border
These stations are planned in a way that can cater to the densely populated neighbourhoods and industrial clusters. Neraluru, Masur, Suryanagar, Jigani, Giddenahalli, and Krishnasagara are also expected to benefit from better metro access.
Why is Karnataka not pursuing an Interstate Metro for now?
Earlier this year, the Tamil Nadu government announced plans in its budget to develop an interstate metro corridor connecting Hosur and Bommasandra. The project would span about 23 km; about 12 km in Karnataka and 11 kilometers in Tamil Nadu.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) had conducted preliminary feasibility studies for the interstate connection. But Karnataka authorities have pointed out the technical, operational, taxation, and administrative complexities of running a metro service across two states.
Officials say fares, revenue sharing, governance structures, regulatory approvals, and operational responsibilities across state borders would pose important challenges. BMRCL has decided to focus on metro services up to Attibele within Karnataka's jurisdiction rather than pursuing an interstate route at this stage.
Improved Connectivity and Multi-Modal Transport
The proposed extension will mainly follow the National Highway along Hosur Road, one of the busiest transportation routes in southern Bengaluru. Skywalks, pedestrian subways, and integrated multi-modal transport facilities are expected to be included in the project to facilitate passenger accessibility.
The new infrastructure will also result in improved connectivity between metro stations, buses, private vehicles, and pedestrian networks. The new infrastructure will also reduce travel time and traffic at Hosur Road, which currently experiences heavy congestion during peak hours.
Project Status and Next Steps
BMRCL has already submitted the feasibility study report to the Karnataka government. The state government has directed the metro authority to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the project, which will contain technical specifications, project cost, land requirements, and implementation timelines.
Officials say tenders for preparing the DPR could be invited soon. Once the project gets the necessary approvals, it will move from a very initial stage to full planning and construction.
If implemented, the Bommasandra-Attibele metro extension will enhance public transportation in Bengaluru’s southern suburbs and support the pace of growth of residential and industrial development. As a result, for thousands of daily commuters, the extension can provide a safer, more reliable route to travel and will further establish Bengaluru as a city that is becoming more and more dependent on mass rapid transit solutions.
