State govt. rules out extending Bengaluru metro to Doddaballapur for now

Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has clarified in the Legislative Assembly that there is currently no proposal to extend the Namma Metro network in Bengaluru to Doddaballapur. Responding in writing to a question raised by Doddaballapur BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraj on August 19, Mr. Shivakumar stated that “there is no proposal” to connect the town with the metro line from Kempegowda International Airport.

However, he added that a 26-km corridor from Yelahanka via Rajanakunte to Doddaballapur has been included in the interim master plan. Corridors under the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), he said, are still under review.

The demand for extending the metro to Bengaluru’s outskirts and neighbouring districts has been growing steadily, with several elected representatives raising the issue. Mr. Shivakumar himself has been strongly advocating for metro connectivity to Bidadi and Kanakapura, arguing that it would boost industrial growth.

Similarly, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has pushed for extending the network to Tumakuru, while Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa represents Devanahalli, where the State Budget announced an extension of the Airport Line.

Meanwhile, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is preparing a comprehensive feasibility study covering 197 km of new corridors. Officials said “the study is being conducted across eight key routes, including the Airport Line extension to Devanahalli announced in the Budget. The report will be submitted to the State government for evaluation.”

Most of the new corridors being considered aim to take the metro beyond Bengaluru city limits, with potential links to Harohalli in Kanakapura taluk, Bidadi in Bengaluru South district, Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural, and Tumakuru.