A new technical assessment by (IISc) researchers has raised serious concerns over Bengaluru’s proposed double-decker metro corridors, concluding that the projects could undermine the purpose of expanding the city’s metro network by encouraging greater use of private vehicles while reducing public transport ridership.

The study, ‘Implications of Metro Double-Decker & Elevated Corridors on Bengaluru’s Mobility & Environment’ led by Ashish Verma of the IISc Sustainable Transportation Lab (IST Lab), found that integrating elevated roadways with metro phase-3 corridors is projected to reduce metro ridership, increase traffic-related emissions, fuel consumption and project costs, while weakening the city’s long-term sustainable mobility goals.

The findings are based on a presentation on the implications of metro double-decker and elevated corridors and a detailed technical report submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).