Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Bengaluru Metro Faces Backlash Over Planned Tree Felling for Orange Line
Bengaluru is building a new metro line called the Orange Line.
To make space for it, a company called BMRCL wants to cut down or move more than 1,000 trees.
This has made many people upset.
Environmentalists say that cutting so many trees is bad for the air and the city's green spaces.
They worry that Bengaluru could become like Delhi, with bad air quality.
Some people who live nearby are happy about the new metro but sad about the trees.
They hope that for every tree cut, the company plants many new ones, as the rules say.
They also question if the company followed rules from past projects.
BMRCL plans to cut or transplant 1,092 trees for the Namma Metro Orange Line (Phase 3).
The Orange Line will consist of two corridors totaling 44.65 km at an estimated cost of ₹15,611 crore.
Environmental activists are criticizing the move, citing concerns about the loss of green cover and potential air quality issues.
Residents have mixed feelings, supporting the metro's arrival but worrying about the environmental impact.
Activists are questioning the follow-through on compensatory tree planting from previous metro phases.
- Who
- Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), environmentalists, and local residents
- What
- BMRCL plans to cut or transplant over 1,000 trees for the Namma Metro Orange Line, sparking criticism.
- When
- Currently, as BMRCL prepares to implement Phase 3 of the metro project.
- Where
- Bengaluru, along the proposed routes for the Orange Line.
- Why
- To facilitate the construction of the Orange Line (Phase 3) of the Namma Metro.
Environmental Concerns
Developmental Benefits
Tree Felling
Environmental Concerns
Opponents argue that felling over 1,000 trees will significantly reduce Bengaluru's green cover, potentially worsening air quality and heat, and they question the effectiveness of compensatory planting.
Developmental Benefits
Proponents, like some residents, acknowledge the concern but are happy about the metro line coming closer to their homes, implying a trade-off for development.
Past Practices
Environmental Concerns
Activists point to past BMRCL projects where the number of trees to be cut was reduced after protests, and they are concerned about the lack of follow-up on compensatory plantations from previous phases.
Developmental Benefits
While not explicitly stated as a 'right view,' the BMRCL's continued plans suggest a prioritization of the project's development goals over immediate environmental objections.
- Project Name
- Orange Line (Phase 3) of Namma Metro
- Corporation Responsible
- Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)
- Number of Trees to be Cut/Transplanted
- 1,092
- Total Project Cost
- ₹15,611 crore
- Total Project Length
- 44.65 km