The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved three major metro rail projects and two new airport facilities across India.
In Bengaluru, the Cabinet has approved Phase-3 of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project, an ambitious expansion aimed at further extending the city’s metro network. With an investment of Rs. 15,611 crore, this phase will introduce two new elevated corridors, spanning a total of 44.65 km and encompassing 31 stations. Corridor 1 will run 32.15 km from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura, incorporating key industrial and residential zones, while Corridor 2 will cover 12.50 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road. Upon completion in 2029, Bengaluru’s metro network will cover 220.20 km, significantly improving urban transit and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Thane, a fast-growing city adjacent to Mumbai, is poised for an urban mobility upgrade with the approval of the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project. This 29-km ring corridor, estimated at Rs. 12,200 crore, will feature 22 stations, linking essential areas such as Naupada, Wagle Estate, Hiranandani Estate, and Kolshet. Positioned along the city’s outskirts, the metro ring is designed to ease road congestion and is expected to be operational by 2029, offering a sustainable transportation alternative to the city’s burgeoning population.
In Pune, the metro network is set for a strategic expansion with the Swargate to Katraj underground extension of Phase-1. The 5.46 km Line-1B, costing Rs. 2,954.53 crore, will connect Market Yard, Bibwewadi, and Katraj, addressing traffic woes in Pune’s southern regions. Scheduled for completion by 2029, this extension will integrate seamlessly with the Swargate Multimodal Hub, enhancing connectivity for commuters and supporting the city’s growing transportation demands.
In Bihar, the development of a new civil enclave at Bihta is set to alleviate the pressure on Patna Airport. The project, with an investment of Rs. 1,413 crore, includes the construction of a modern Integrated Terminal Building, capable of accommodating 3,000 peak-hour passengers, with an annual capacity expandable to one crore. This initiative will significantly bolster regional connectivity and address the increasing passenger traffic in Bihar.
Similarly, the Cabinet has approved the development of a new civil enclave at Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, with a budget of Rs. 1,549 crore. The new terminal, covering 70,390 square meters, is designed to handle 3,000 peak-hour passengers, with facilities including an apron for 10 aircraft and multi-level car parking. This development is set to elevate Bagdogra Airport’s operational capacity and passenger experience, solidifying its role as a pivotal gateway in the region.
