Bengaluru Metro’s double-decker corridors could shift commuters back to private vehicles, study by IISc researchers finds

A new engineering assessment by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers has raised serious concerns about the proposed double-decker metro corridors in Bengaluru. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

A new technical assessment by researchers (IISc) has raised serious concerns about Bengaluru’s proposed double-decker metro corridors, concluding that the projects could undermine the purpose of expanding the city’s metro network by encouraging greater use of private vehicles while reducing public transport ridership.

A study, “Mobility and Environmental Implications of Double Decker and Elevated Metro Corridors in Bengaluru” led by Ashish Verma of the IISc Sustainable Transportation Lab (IST Lab) found that the integration of elevated carriageways with Phase 3 Metro corridors will reduce metro ridership, increase traffic-related emissions, fuel consumption and project costs, while undermining the city’s long-term mobility goals.

The findings are based on a presentation of the implications of double-decker and elevated metro corridors and a detailed technical report submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Published – June 29, 2026 0:03 AM IST