Karnataka seeks more Central funding for Bengaluru Metro expansion
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda says the state pays 84 per cent of project costs.
Greater Bengaluru Development (GBA) Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said on Wednesday that Karnataka will ask the Union government to increase its financial contribution to the Bengaluru Metro. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Gowda noted that the state currently covers nearly 84 per cent of the total costs for the Namma Metro, while the Centre provides 16 per cent.
The minister stated that the total expenditure for Metro Phases 1, 2, 2A, 2B and the estimated cost for Phase 3 is Rs 77,891 crore. Of this amount, Karnataka has contributed Rs 65,291 crore and the Centre has provided Rs 12,600 crore, according to The Hindu and The Federal.
Gowda argued that the state is effectively investing five rupees for every one rupee contributed by the Centre. He said the Centre's share has dropped across different phases, noting that while the Centre provided 80 per cent of funds for Phase 1, its share fell to 16 per cent for Phase 2 and 14 per cent for Phases 2A and 2B.
The minister also highlighted that the state bears the full cost of land acquisition, project cost escalations, and operational losses. He mentioned that Karnataka has paid Rs 1,046 crore towards Bangalore Metro Rail Limited (BMRCL) cash losses this financial year, with another Rs 52 crore pending. Additionally, the state is responsible for repaying international loans and absorbing costs from rupee depreciation.
Gowda plans to make a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to Bengaluru on Friday, November 13. The minister also requested faster approvals for pending projects, such as the Sarjapur–Hebbal Red Line, which has been awaiting clearance since January 2025.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate a 7.5-km elevated section of the Pink Line. This new stretch, connecting Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere, will open to the public at 6 am on November 14, increasing the operational network to approximately 103 km.