Karnataka government seeks more funding from Centre for Bengaluru metro

The Karnataka government is bearing 84 per cent of the total cost of the Bengaluru metro project, while the Central government is contributing only 16 per cent, Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said on Wednesday. According to a report by The Hindu, the Minister has requested the Central government to increase financial cooperation and provide speedy approvals for pending projects.

Minister Gowda presented these details during a press conference held prior to the inauguration of the elevated section of the Bengaluru metro's Pink Line by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 November. He stated that the total estimated cost of metro Phases 1, 2, 2A, 2B, and Phase 3 amounts to ₹77,891 crore. Out of this, the state of Karnataka is contributing ₹65,291 crore, while the Central government's share is only ₹12,600 crore. The Minister added that during the Prime Minister's visit to Bengaluru, the state government will make a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this matter.

The state government is also bearing the burden of metro land acquisition costs, losses incurred during metro operations and delays, as well as additional costs due to rising foreign exchange rates on international loans. Minister Gowda requested the Centre to consider more financial assistance and methods to mitigate foreign exchange risks. He stated that a more equitable partnership between the Centre and the State is necessary to meet Bengaluru's growing infrastructure needs.

The Minister also demanded early approval for the proposed 37.8 km long Sarjapur-Hebbal Red Line. This proposal has been pending with the Central government since January 2025. Delays in approval are increasing the project cost, which is placing an additional financial burden on the state. The commencement of this corridor is expected to improve connectivity in Bengaluru's most high-traffic areas such as Sarjapur Road and Outer Ring Road.

On the other hand, with the inauguration of the 7.5 km elevated section of the Pink Line, Bengaluru's metro network is set to cross the 100 km milestone. This section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere (Sudduguntepalya) will be opened to the general public at 6 am on 14 November, which will make the operational network approximately 103 km. Initially, five trains will be operated on this section at eight-minute intervals. The Minister stated that the interchange facility at Jayadeva station will provide connectivity with the Electronics City corridor and other parts of the city such as Silk Board, HSR Layout, Jayanagar, Majestic, and Whitefield.

The state government aims to have a 170 km metro network operational in the next 18 months. Major sections of the Blue Line, connecting Central Silk Board, KR Puram, Hebbal, and Kempegowda International Airport, are expected to be operational next year. Additionally, the government plans to move forward with work on the 44.5 km long Orange Line, with a target to start tenders and work in the next six months. The government's long-term vision is to expand Bengaluru's metro network to 400 to 500 km.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Line was a metro rail system operating in the city of Bengaluru in the Indian state of Karnataka. It was designed to connect various areas of the city and various phased plans were implemented for its expansion.