Bengaluru Namma Metro phase-3 daily ridership may dip from 8.09 lakh to 7.98 lakh passengers with double-decker road

Published 29 June 2026 · local

Daily ridership on Bengaluru’s Namma Metro phase-3 corridors is expected to decline from 8.09 lakh passengers under a metro-only scenario to 7.98 lakh passengers if

Daily ridership on Bengaluru’s Namma Metro phase-3 corridors is expected to decline from 8.09 lakh passengers under a metro-only scenario to 7.98 lakh passengers if double-decker road infrastructure is introduced, says a study, ‘Implications of Metro Double-Decker & Elevated Corridors on Bengaluru’s Mobility & Environment.’ In the study, led by Ashish Verma of the IISc Sustainable Transportation Lab (IST Lab), the researchers argue that the additional road capacity would induce commuters to shift from public transport to private vehicles, contrary to the objectives of mass rapid transit systems. The findings are based on a presentation on the implications of metro double-decker and elevated corridors and a detailed technical report submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Shift private vehicles The researchers argue that the additional road capacity would induce commuters to shift from public transport to private vehicles, contrary to the objectives of mass rapid transit systems. The assessment projects a significant change in travel behaviour by 2041.

Bus mode share is estimated to fall by 6.4%, while metro mode share would decline by 1.4%. At the same time, car usage is projected to increase by 3.8%, two-wheeler trips by 1.28%, and auto and taxi trips by 2.8%, indicating a clear shift towards personal modes of transport. The study noted that although double-decker corridors may initially appear to improve traffic movement, they ultimately encourage additional private vehicle usage, resulting in higher vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT), increased congestion and greater environmental impacts. The report estimates that the proposed double-decker corridors would generate an additional 17,012 kg of carbon dioxide (CO₂) every day, besides 85.9 kg of carbon monoxide (CO), 12.6 kg of nitrogen oxides (NOx), 19.5 kg of hydrocarbons (HC) and 1.1 kg of PM2.5 emissions daily. Fuel consumption is projected to rise by more than 7,000 litres per day, translating into an additional daily fuel expenditure exceeding ₹6.45 lakh. What the study found Fall in Metro ridership From 8.09 lakh/day to 7.98 lakh/day with double-decker corridors Shift to private vehicles (by 2041) Car use: +3.8% Two-wheelers: +1.28% Auto/Taxi: +2.8% Bus use: −6.4% Metro use: −1.4% Higher emissions every day CO₂: +17,012 kg CO: +85.9 kg NO +12.6 kg HC: +19.5 kg PM2.5: +1.1 kg Fuel impact Over 7,000 litres extra fuel consumed daily Additional fuel cost to be ₹6.45 lakh/day Project cost Capital cost rises by ₹2,863.53 crore Source: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Sustainable Transportation Lab (IST Lab) Financial impact Besides environmental concerns, the study points to a substantial financial impact.