Bengaluru is gearing up for a new chapter in public transport with the introduction of the Metrolite system — a compact and budget-friendly alternative to the existing metro. Designed for routes with moderate footfall, this light rail system aims to decongest roads and improve urban mobility. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is currently charting out three planned corridors that together stretch 60 km.

Unlike the city’s conventional metro, Metrolite trains will move along surface-level tracks, require less land, and are ideal for areas where full-scale metro lines might be excessive. Based on guidelines set by the Centre in July 2019, Metrolite promises lower construction and operational expenses.

In the 2019 Comprehensive Mobility Plan by Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd., three corridors were recommended for Phase 3. These routes were acknowledged in the 2020 state budget, with two lines — ORR-West (Hebbal to JP Nagar) and Magadi Road Toll Gate to Kadabagere — planned under a public-private partnership model.

Currently, none of the tracks have received approval or begun construction. Final Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are still in progress. Analysts expect rollout to begin around 2027 if cleared.

Proposed corridors:

  • Line 1: Hebbal to JP Nagar (30 km, Orange Line)

  • Line 2: Magadi Road Toll Gate to Kadabagere (14 km)

  • Line 3: Whitefield to Domlur (16 km)
    A separate 52 km link from Hoskote to Sarjapur via Hebbal is under consideration.

    • With sleek 3-coach trains, a 60 kmph max speed, and integration with metro ticketing, Metrolite aims to redefine smart city commuting.

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