In an attempt to extend the Namma Metro line beyond Bengaluru, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Sunday invited tenders for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to connect Bengaluru and Tumakuru.
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The proposed metro line, starting from Madavara in Bengaluru and extending to Tumakuru at a distance of 59.6 km, is estimated to cost Rs 20,896 crore and will feature 27 stations. BMRCL has given potential bidders less than one week to submit their Requests for Proposal (RFPs), with bid opening scheduled for November 21.
According to BMRCL specifications, the metro alignment will have varying station spacing depending on urban density. The Madavara-Nelamangala section will have closely-spaced stations at 1-2 kilometre intervals to serve the densely populated areas, while the Nelamangala-Tumakuru stretch may feature stations every 4-5 kilometres, reflecting the more rural character of this segment.
Given the substantial financial outlay required, BMRCL is exploring alternative funding mechanisms beyond traditional government financing. “The corporation is considering models including Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT), Design-Finance-Build-Operate-Transfer (DFBOT), Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT), or the Developer Finance Model,” a BMRCL source said.
The Madavara-Tumakuru corridor forms part of Namma Metro’s Phase 4 expansion, which encompasses 210.9 kilometres of new lines comprising five extensions and three entirely new corridors. The primary objective of Phase 4 is to connect Bengaluru’s urban core with its rapidly developing periphery. BMRCL proceeded with the DPR tender after the Karnataka government approved the Feasibility Study Report for the Madavara-Tumakuru line earlier this year.
Once the award of the letter of acceptance is issued, the selected consultant will have five months to complete the comprehensive DPR.