The much-anticipated Namma Metro Phase 3 project has finally started the work on the Red Line corridor, which will link up Hebbal in the north and Sarjapur in the south, thereby giving a very important transit link of the whole eastern and southern parts of Bengaluru.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has put up a notice inviting tenders for the geotechnical survey work of the Red Line with an estimated cost of ₹6.86 crore. The contractors interested in this work can send their quotations by 3rd November, and the agency that is chosen will have 150 days for completing the research.

At present, the metro system of Bengaluru comprises Green, Purple, and Yellow Lines, with the Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara) expected to be operational by 2026, and the Blue Line (Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport) by 2027. The Red Line, which is a component of Phase 3A, will additionally cover the areas where the metro network was not available so far.

BMRCL officials say that geotechnical survey is very important and it is the first step taken for a long construction period. The survey will analyze the soil and rock layers along the route and will find out how deep the foundation of the elevated pillars will be, and also ensure the safety of the underground tunnels, thus guiding the choice of the TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) and also helping to get accurate project costs estimates.

The Red Line will consist of both the underground and elevated parts which will be going through the city center. As soon as it starts running, it is thought that the travel time between north and south Bengaluru will be reduced by a great deal, major roads will be less congested, and last-mile connectivity will be better in the whole city.