Bengaluru Metro Phase-3 Depot Land Caught in Legal Dispute

Bengaluru Metro’s Phase-3 land acquisition has been fast-tracked by splitting it into four sections, but a key depot site in Sunkadakatte is stuck in a legal battle. The 78.5-acre parcel is claimed by both the State government and Jamnalal Bajaj Seva Trust, with the matter currently pending before the Karnataka High Court.

Phase-3 includes 31 stations across two corridors:

Corridor One (32.15 km) runs along Outer Ring Road from JP Nagar IVth Phase to Kempapura.
Corridor Two (12.5 km) extends along Magadi Road from Hosahalli to Kadabgere.

The planned depot at Sunkadakatte village is essential for both corridors. According to Dr. Yathish Ullal, General Manager (in charge) of BMRCL’s land acquisition department, the land was earlier declared government property by the Land Tribunal. A 1994 notification to acquire it for an APMC market was challenged by the Trust.

In a February 2, 2025 ruling, the Karnataka High Court ruled in favor of the government, declaring the land APMC property. However, the Trust has now appealed, claiming they purchased 200 acres in 1960.

With the legal uncertainty, BMRCL is exploring alternative sites, including a portion of Beggars’ Colony, owned by the social welfare department.

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