Karnataka seeks higher Central funding for Bengaluru Metro expansion
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda says the state pays 84 per cent of Namma Metro costs.
Greater Bengaluru Development (GBA) Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said on Wednesday that Karnataka will ask the Centre to increase its financial contribution to the Namma Metro expansion. Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Gowda noted that the state currently covers nearly 84 per cent of the combined project costs, while the Centre provides 16 per cent, according to reports by The Federal, The Hindu and Deccan Herald.
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. Gowda stated that the Central share has declined over time, falling from 80 per cent for Phase 1 to 16 per cent for Phase 2 and 14 per cent for Phase 2A/2B.
The Minister highlighted that the state also manages all land acquisition costs, project cost escalations, and operating losses. He noted that Karnataka has paid approximately Rs 1,046 crore towards Metro operating losses, with another Rs 52 crore pending. He also mentioned that while the Centre facilitates international loans, the state is responsible for repayments and bears the burden of rupee depreciation.
Gowda will make a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Prime Minister's visit to Bengaluru on Friday, November 13. The state is seeking a more equitable funding model and faster approvals for projects, such as the Sarjapur-Hebbal Red Line corridor, which has been pending 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, connecting Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere, will increase the operational network to approximately 103 km.