Karnataka seeks more Central funding for Bengaluru Metro expansion
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda says the state is paying 84 per cent of total project costs.
Greater Bengaluru Development (GBA) Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said on Wednesday that Karnataka will request the Union government to increase its financial contribution to the Bengaluru Metro. According to The Hindu, the state currently covers 84 per cent of the costs for the Namma Metro, while the Centre provides 16 per cent.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Gowda noted that the total expenditure for Phases 1, 2, 2A, 2B and the estimated cost of 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.
Gowda stated that the Centre's share has dropped across different phases, noting it was 80 per cent for Phase 1 but fell to 16 per cent for Phase 2 and 14 per cent for Phases 2A and 2B. He argued that the state also bears the full cost of land acquisition, operational losses, and cost escalations caused by project delays.
The minister added that while the Centre facilitates international loans, the state is responsible for repayments and the financial impact of rupee depreciation. He also highlighted that Karnataka has paid Rs 1,046 crore toward operating losses for the Bangalore Metro Rail Limited (BMRCL), with another Rs 52 crore pending.
The state plans to make a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Bengaluru visit on Friday, November 13. Gowda also requested faster approvals for pending projects, such as the Sarjapur–Hebbal Red Line, which has been awaiting clearance since January 2025.
On November 14, the 7.5-km elevated section of the Pink Line will open to the public at 6 am. This new stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere will increase the city's operational metro network to approximately 103 km.