Unveiling the state budget for 2024-25, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said promoting public transport is his top priority to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in Bengaluru.

The chief minister said that integration of multiple modes of transport such as Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) metro, suburban rail and bus services will help achieve the goals of the state capital. The chief minister said that by March 2025, an additional 44 kilometers will be added to the existing 74 kilometers of metro lines. In addition, the subway phase 2 and phase 2A projects from the outer ring line to Airport Road will be completed in June 2026.

He announced that the city’s metro service had turned a profit (operating profit) for the first time in its history this year. Siddaramaiah also pointed out that the state government has given administrative approval to the Namma Metro Phase III project with an estimated cost of Rs 15,611 crore. He said it was awaiting approval from the central government.

A draft detailed project report (DPR) is currently being prepared for the construction of the metro line from Sarjapura to Agara, Koramangala, Dairy Circle and connecting to Hebbal through Mekhri Circle under Namma Metro Phase 3A. The chief minister said the project will also be submitted to the Center for approval.

Siddaramaiah said a feasibility report will be prepared to extend the Bangalore International Exhibition Center metro to Tumakuru and Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Devanahalli through public-private partnerships.

He said the Bangalore Suburban Railway Project (BSRP) has been progressing at a “snail’s pace” and said the project’s momentum had picked up after his government came to power. Elaborating on the status of BSRP, he said that the civil works of Corridor 2 from Baiyappanahalli to Chikkabanavara are being implemented expeditiously and work orders have been issued for the construction of the 46.2 km long line from Heelalige to Rajanukunte under Corridor 4.

The CM said it has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the operation and management of rolling stock and has signed financial assistance agreements with the European Investment Bank and KfW. “This year we will draw the attention of the central government to this ambitious project (BSRP) and urge them to provide additional grants. The state government will release matching grants,” Siddaramaiah said.

Regarding city buses, the chief minister said that 1,334 new electric buses and 820 BS-6 diesel buses will be added to the BMTC fleet in the coming days. He told the House that BMTC is developing a vehicle tracking mobile application with women safety features for the benefit of commuters.

Devanahalli, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Doddaballapura, Magadi and Bidadi towns near Bengaluru will be developed as satellite towns with road and rail connectivity, he added.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)