Bengaluru's Metro Phase 3 is finally on track for approval, but the inclusion of a double-decker viaduct has sparked significant debate. The project's Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) stands at 15.9%, above the 14% threshold deemed acceptable for mass transit systems. This metric, while promising, reflects a decline from the original 17.04% projected without the double-decker. The decision to add this feature, costing an additional ₹9,700 crore, was made with the intention of alleviating future road widening needs, but it raises questions about the project's long-term socio-economic impact.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs had previously expressed concerns that the double-decker design might deter metro ridership by encouraging road traffic. This tension illustrates a broader conflict in urban planning: balancing innovative infrastructure with practical usability. The inclusion of a flyover along the metro's alignment could discourage public transport use, contradicting the very purpose of the metro system.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's push for the double-decker design underscores the urgency of addressing Bengaluru's notorious traffic woes. However, the city's infrastructure decisions must prioritize public transit efficiency over ambitious architectural designs. The proposed double-decker could complicate construction and operational logistics, especially at critical junctions like Mysuru Road, where height restrictions pose additional challenges.
