D.K. Shivakumar demands Centre-State cost sharing for Bengaluru Metro

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has demanded a more equitable financial partnership between the Centre and the State for Bengaluru's Namma Metro project. According to a report by The Hindu, while sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during two events held in Bengaluru and Mysuru on 13 November, 2026, the Chief Minister presented various demands of the state. This includes a demand to expedite the process of pending approvals for the expansion of the Metro.

Chief Minister Shivakumar stated that despite a proposal for a 50:50 partnership between the Centre and the State, the state of Karnataka is bearing more than 80% of the financial burden of Metro projects. He sought the Central Government's support in sharing foreign exchange risks arising from external loans taken for Metro projects and operational cash losses. In this context, he cited the example of the Delhi Metro, noting that such a contractual framework exists there.

Highlighting the delays in project approvals, the Chief Minister sought immediate approval for the proposed Metro Red Line (Phase 3A) connecting Sarjapur and Hebbal, stating that this process has been pending for almost two years. He further suggested that project cost estimates should be based on the actual situation and requirements of individual cities rather than being pegged to any uniform national average. Additionally, he proposed constructing double-decker Metros wherever possible and establishing a dedicated technical institution for Metro projects across the country.

These demands come at a time when a political dispute is ongoing between the ruling Congress and the BJP in Karnataka regarding the funding of the Metro project. However, according to The Hindu report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give any public response to these demands from the stage during both events.

Apart from the Metro, the Chief Minister also drew attention to other serious issues facing the state. He stated that 226 out of 240 talukas have been declared drought-hit, resulting in damage to approximately 58 lakh hectares of crops and an estimated financial loss of ₹62,482 crore. He demanded the rapid release of ₹22,400.58 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to assist affected farmers. He also expressed readiness to lead an all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister to discuss agricultural issues.

Furthermore, he demanded Central intervention in the sugarcane price dispute and proper allocation of ethanol for Karnataka. Regarding the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir project, he said that since the Supreme Court has already delivered a verdict, the legal position is clear, and therefore the Central Government should grant final constitutional approvals. Referring to the Kasturirangan Report, he stated that the Karnataka Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution opposing the recommendations of this report, and thus the Central Government should withdraw these recommendations to protect the livelihoods of local people.

The report mentioned that earlier, during an event in Tumakuru on 2 January, 2020, then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had demanded additional relief for the 2019 floods in North Karnataka. At that time too, Prime Minister Modi did not respond from the stage, but the Central Government subsequently announced additional funding of approximately ₹670 crore in the same week.