Bengaluru Orange Line gets 10-km double-decker plan to tackle key traffic bottlenecks

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has finalised locations for targeted double-decker structures along the proposed Orange Line, reducing the planned length of such infrastructure from 37 km to 10 km.

The revised approach follows a RITES assessment that recommended concentrating double-decker structures at junctions facing severe traffic congestion rather than extending them across the entire corridor.

One of the biggest structures proposed is a 4-km double-decker section near Kadabagere on Magadi Road. Officials identified the area as requiring the structure because of narrow roads and high building density, reported The Times of India.

Other road-cum-Metro structures are planned at key points on the western stretch of the Outer Ring Road. A 1.3-km structure is proposed at Sarakki Junction, while another 1.5-km section will cover Kamakya, Ittamadu and Hosakerehalli.

BMRCL has also proposed additional road infrastructure at major congestion points, including a road flyover at Sumanahalli and an underpass at Goraguntepalya. Flyovers towards Nelamangala and Muthyala Nagar are also part of the wider plan.

The 45-km Orange Line is planned to connect Kempapura with JP Nagar IV Phase and Hosahalli with Kadabagere.

Construction is likely to begin next year after delays linked to the double-decker proposal and project design. BMRCL is expected to float fresh tenders for the Orange Line after concurrence from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The change in strategy means double-decker construction will be concentrated at the locations where BMRCL and its consultants believe it can provide the greatest benefit in dealing with existing traffic bottlenecks.

The planned integration of Metro and road infrastructure is aimed at improving mobility along several of Bengaluru’s heavily congested corridors while reducing the extent of elevated structures that would otherwise have been required.