Rail, and the 'real' rates.

The Namma Metro project launched in 2011 is for a 6.5 km stretch from M.G. Road to Byappanhalli. The recently inaugurated line covers the stretch between Sampige Road and Peenya Industrial area. It navigates across 10 km and will have 10 stations when completely operational. Of course, one of the sectors that will see direct impact is that of real estate albeit in a gradual manner.

Regarding Reach 1, from M.G. Road to Byappanahalli, in terms of infrastructure, it worked to decongest M.G. Road, Ulsoor and Indiranagar. Consequently real estate prices along the stretch began to soar. Areas on Old Madras Road saw an appreciation of 25 to 30 per cent in residential pricing. Commercial real estate received a huge impetus in the region. In addition, FAR was increased to 4 from 3.2, providing a boost to further development and opening up avenues for revenue and investment.

A little known development was the change in resale value of homes in the vicinity of Reach 1. The resale value of homes in the Indiranagar region reached the Rs. 12,000 per sq. ft mark.

Connectivity is the key to development of any area in a city. The Sampige Road-Peenya stretch of the Metro will decongest the traffic and provide low cost, fast moving travel options.

Areas in and around the Metro stations are already witnessing transformation. This stretch (Reach 3 and 3A) are part of the 'green line' of the Metro stretching across a 10.3 km track line. It will connect the north-western suburb of Peenya to Sampige Road in Malleswaram. Currently only four of the 10 stations are open for business.

THE HINDU