Author(s)
Dr. Nagajyothi M J
- Manuscript ID: 121471
- Volume 2, Issue 8, Aug 2026
- Pages: 346–355
Subject Area: Urban transport
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22015291Abstract
Urban rail systems influence cities not only by improving mobility but also by changing the spatial pattern of residential demand and property values. Bengaluru provides an important case because the rapid expansion of Namma Metro has occurred alongside substantial growth in housing prices, rents and demand for residential property in metro-connected and emerging corridors. This paper examines the relationship between metro connectivity and housing affordability in Bengaluru using secondary data from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India publications, and established real-estate market research reports. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design and examines changes in the operational metro network, residential prices, housing supply, sales and selected metro-influenced localities. The evidence shows that metro expansion has substantially improved accessibility across Bengaluru and has supported the growth of residential markets in corridors such as Whitefield, Electronic City, KR Puram, Yeshwanthpur, Tumkur Road and other peripheral locations. At the same time, improved connectivity has contributed to increasing land and housing values. Bengaluru's weighted average residential price increased from ₹4,977 per sq. ft. in 2019 to ₹6,620 per sq. ft. in 2024 and continued to rise in subsequent periods. The study therefore finds a dual effect of metro development: it improves the effective accessibility of peripheral housing locations, but the resulting increase in demand and land values can reduce affordability, particularly for lower- and middle-income households. The paper argues that metro-led urban development should be accompanied by affordable and rental housing policies, inclusionary housing provisions and transit-oriented development that reserve adequate housing opportunities for economically diverse households.