More than two years after approval, Phase 3 of Namma Metro, which is also called Orange Line, has moved a step forward with BMRCL inviting Indian and international firms to take up the General Consultancy for the 44.65-km project in Bengaluru. The expansion will add 31 stations across two corridors to the Namma Metro network in Bengaluru.

BMRCL recently invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from Indian and international consultancy firms to take up the General Consultancy for the two corridors.

According to BMRCL EOI documents, under Phase-3, Corridor-1 will run for 32.15 km from J.P. Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura, and will have 22 stations. Corridor-2 will cover 12.50 km from Hosahalli to Kadabagere, and will have nine stations. A common maintenance depot for both corridors has been proposed at Sunkadakatte.

The proposed corridors will provide interchange facilities with existing and upcoming Namma Metro lines at several locations, including J.P. Nagar, J.P. Nagar 4th Phase, Mysuru Road, Peenya, and Kempapura. Sumanahalli Cross is planned as a common interchange between the two Phase-3 corridors.

JICA funding for Phase-3

An official said that BMRCL has applied for a Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of ¥102.48 billion from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) towards the cost of the two Phase-3 corridors.

“The loan will cover only a part of the project cost, with BMRCL arranging the remaining funding. The consultancy and procurement process for the JICA-funded components will follow JICA’s guidelines,” the official added.

The General Consultant is expected to assist BMRCL with reviewing designs, preparing and finalising tender documents, evaluating bids, and supporting contract negotiations. During construction, the consultant will oversee quality, safety, and environmental requirements, co-ordinate between contractors, and assist with testing and commissioning.

252 coaches to be procured

A major component of Phase-3 will be the procurement of 252 standard-gauge coaches. The package will cover their design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning, along with training of personnel and comprehensive maintenance for up to 15 years.

Other major systems planned under the project include signalling and train control, telecommunications, Automatic Fare Collection (AFC), traction power, receiving sub-stations, and related metro infrastructure.

The Phase-3 is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and will be particularly impactful on heavily congested routes of the Outer Ring Road West, Magadi Road, and other major arterial roads of the city.

BMRCL plans to provide interchanges with existing and under-construction metro stations, BMTC bus stands, Indian Railway stations, and proposed Suburban (K-RIDE) stations. Multi-Modal Integration is planned at J.P. Nagar 4th Phase, J.P. Nagar, Kamakya, Mysuru Road, Sumanahalli, Peenya, BEL Circle, Hebbal, Kempapura, and Hosahalli.