BJP MPs Tejasvi Surya and PC Mohan have strongly opposed the reported decision to remove the proposed Veterinary College Metro station from Namma Metro‘s Phase 3A corridor, arguing that the move would hurt commuter interests and undermine public transport planning.
Phase 3A of Namma Metro is planned to connect Sarjapur and Hebbal via Koramangala. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on April 29.
The Karnataka Cabinet had earlier approved the DPR in December 2024, with the project cost estimated at ₹28,405 crore. However, the ministry subsequently asked BMRCL to revise the cost estimates.
Cost reduced after DPR revision
Following recommendations from French consultancy Systra, BMRCL reportedly reduced tunnelling costs from ₹300 crore per kilometre to ₹210 crore per kilometre. The length of underground stations was also reduced from 210 metres to 170 metres.
According to BMRCL officials, the revised project cost now stands at ₹25,999 crore, with land acquisition expected to require an additional ₹950 crore.
Reports suggested that the Veterinary College station may have been removed as part of the cost optimisation exercise, though officials have not officially confirmed the claim.
Surya questions ridership argument
Tejasvi Surya criticised the reported move, alleging that the station was being sacrificed to facilitate a proposed 2.2-km tunnel road project in Hebbal.
Referring to figures in the original DPR, he claimed that the projected ridership for the Veterinary College station by 2031 was estimated at 18,303 passengers, higher than the expected ridership at Sarjapur station.
He argued that Phase 3A would serve significantly more commuters than the proposed tunnel road and said public transport infrastructure should not be compromised.
MPs seek commuter-focused planning
PC Mohan also voiced opposition to the proposal, stating that Bengaluru deserved better urban planning and governance.
Surya said he would raise the issue with the Union Ministry, stressing that BMRCL must prioritise commuter convenience and long-term public transport needs.
The revised DPR is currently undergoing review by the Centre. If approvals proceed as scheduled, groundwork for Phase 3A is expected to begin by the end of 2027, with construction likely to take around five years.