The Karnataka government has indicated that a proposal to extend the Bengaluru Metro network up to Doddaballapur is under active consideration, signalling a possible expansion of mass transit connectivity to the city’s rapidly developing northern outskirts.
The matter was discussed in the state Assembly as part of broader deliberations on Bengaluru’s future public transport and long-term mobility requirements.
Proposal Under Review, No Final Decision Yet
Responding during Question Hour, the government clarified that while no final decision has been taken, the demand for extending Metro services to Doddaballapur will be examined as part of a comprehensive review of Bengaluru’s transport plans.
The issue reflects growing calls for improved public transport connectivity in north Bengaluru, where population growth, industrial activity, and residential development have accelerated in recent years.
Linked to Revision of Comprehensive Mobility Plan
Replying on behalf of Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar, Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda said the proposal could be evaluated during the ongoing revision of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP).
“The proposal to extend Metro services up to Doddaballapur can be considered while revising the Comprehensive Mobility Plan. The plan prepared in 2020 does not include this extension, but the city’s transport needs have evolved since then,” he said.
He added that the government has already initiated the CMP revision process and that all new proposals will be reviewed by an expert committee once the updated plan is finalised.
“After the revision, the proposal will be placed before the Comprehensive Mobility Plan expert committee for detailed examination,” the minister added.
Earlier Proposal Dropped from Final Plan
The demand for Metro connectivity to Doddaballapur is not new. Legislators from the region have been advocating the extension for several years, citing rapid urbanisation and economic growth.
An earlier draft of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan had proposed a 26-km Metro corridor from Yelahanka to Doddaballapur via Rajanukunte, but the proposal did not feature in the final approved CMP.
During the Assembly discussion, Doddaballapur MLA Dheeraj Muniraju reiterated the need to revive the proposal, pointing to the scale of development underway in and around the town.
Growth Drivers Strengthen Case for Metro
According to the MLA, Doddaballapur has witnessed significant industrial and residential expansion, driven by major projects such as the KWIN City development, spread across approximately 5,400 acres, and the presence of large companies including Foxconn.
The region is estimated to employ around 45,000 workers, leading to a surge in housing demand and new residential layouts—factors that have intensified the need for reliable, high-capacity public transport.
Metro Expansion Elsewhere Moves Ahead
The government also provided an update on other Metro projects. Metro Lines 2A and 2B, which will connect Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport, are currently under construction and are expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
In addition, Metro Phase 3 and Phase 3A have already received approvals and include several new corridors and extensions. However, the proposed Doddaballapur extension is not currently part of these phases.
What Lies Ahead
The government’s response makes it clear that any decision on extending the Metro to Doddaballapur will hinge on the outcome of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan revision and the recommendations of the expert committee.
For residents, workers, and businesses in north Bengaluru and surrounding towns, the CMP revision process will be closely watched, as it will determine whether Doddaballapur finally finds a place on Bengaluru’s expanding Metro map.
