Bengaluru plans Metro Neo system to connect Electronic City Industrial Township

Bengaluru, India (Urban Transport News): Electronics City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA) is planning to proposed a 4-km eco-friendly Metro Neo network connecting two upcoming stations on the Yellow Line of Banaglore Metro (RV Road and Bommasandra) and companies for lastmile connectivity. Prior to Covid-19 pandemic, around 1.1 lakh people were used to travel Electronics City daily.

“Providing safe access to Metro stations and integration with feeder service with ‘station accessibility plan’ can help maximise transit ridership, create universal streets, offer affordable commuting options and make vibrant public spaces that generate economic development opportunities for the station area,” said in the proposal drafted by ELCITA.

“Hence, for the upcoming Metro stations, ELCITA decided to explore a mass-rapid system as a feeder that can seamlessly connect offices in Electronics City with the Metro system. In this regard, ELCITA commissioned a feasibility study in 2020 and a Metro Neo system was recommended as suitable,” it read.

IT parks in Electronics City are divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 consists mostly of retail hubs dealing in electronics goods and services.

According to plan, Bangalore Metro's Bommasandra-Bommanahalli corridor on Hosur Road (Yellow Line) may be operational by December 2022 and Bommanahalli-RV Road will be ready only in 2023. Electronics City and Infosys Foundation Konappana Agrahara (Electronics City – II) stations and other companies are likely to be connected via Metro Neo if proposal of ELCITA is accepted by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL).

Robert Bosch Engineering & Business Solutions Pvt Ltd recently prepared a pre-feasibility study report to adopt a multimodal integrated transport system and Light Rail Transit facility. A tender has been floated to produce a promotional video for ‘Metro Neo’ at Electronic City to engage with financial investors, government agencies and other stakeholders in the locality.

“...Only a concept note is ready. This will mostly be an elevated network. It will have stations at every 500m. So, around eight stations will connect Electronics City west and east. We will soon select a consultant to prepare a DPR,” said a senior ELCITA official.

Metro Neo is expected to serve over 1.5 lakh workers, especially IT professionals, working in Electronics City.