Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has voiced strong opposition to the state government’s proposal to extend Namma Metro to Tumakuru, labelling the idea as “stupid” in a post on X. He urged authorities to instead prioritise pending metro lines and strengthen Bengaluru’s internal metro infrastructure.
Surya argued that metro projects are meant to resolve intra-city connectivity challenges and that Tumakuru, located 70 km from Bengaluru, should be connected through Rapid Rail Transit Systems (RRTS) or enhanced suburban rail, not metro extensions.
His criticism came in response to a feasibility report recently submitted by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). The report, prepared by Hyderabad-based Aarvee Associates, explores a 59.6-km metro line from Madavara to Tumakuru, with 26 proposed stations. If approved, it would mark Namma Metro’s first intercity corridor, planned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The extension would connect key areas like Makali, Nelamangala, Dobbspet, and Tumakuru Bus Stand, among others. Supporters, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara, argue the line is vital for Tumakuru’s growth as a satellite city and would benefit thousands of daily commuters.
Still, critics like Surya fear such intercity expansions could stall progress on Bengaluru’s existing metro network, which still faces major gaps. He insisted that funds and resources should go toward accelerating intra-city projects to decongest Bengaluru first.
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