ADB approves US$500 million loan for Phase 2 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project

Manila, Philippines (Urban Transport News): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$500 million loan to construct new metro rail lines in Bengaluru, India.

ADB Senior Transport Specialist for South Asia Kaoru Kasahara said:

This will enhance the economy, improve the urban environment, and make the city more livable. The project supports the urban transformation of Bengaluru city through a multidimensional approach of urban public transport and urban development. The new metro lines will ease the daily travel of commuters and decongest traffic across the city, contributing to overall productivity. The project will provide efficient, punctual, and safe transportation in the city and promote a clean urban environment.

The project will construct two new metro lines, mostly elevated, with a total length of 56 kilometers along Outer Ring Road and National Highway 44 between Central Silk Board and Kempegowda International Airport. It will also establish 30 metro stations which will include multimodal facilities, such as bus bays, taxi stands, motorcycle pools, and pedestrian walkways and bridges. The needs of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, women, children, and differently-abled persons, will be integrated with the design of the facilities.

An additional $2 million technical assistance grant from ADB will help the state government formulate urban development plans and their implementing frameworks, focusing on transit-oriented development and multimodal integration. This will also strengthen the capacity of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited and other state agencies to implement transit-oriented development and multimodal integration.

"ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region," said an official release.

Bengaluru is the capital city of the state of Karnataka. The city is a leading center of information technology and high-technology industries such as robotics, biotechnology, and electronics. Bengaluru city has attracted people from other areas seeking employment and its population is estimated to reach over 16 million by 2030. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Project will establish two new metro rail corridors to augment an efficient and safe transportation system.

For more details, please explore the Bangalore Metro page of Urban Transport News.