The cost of Bangalore Metro’s Phase 2 has escalated to approximately Rs 40,000 crore, marking a significant increase from its original estimate a decade ago. Initially proposed at Rs 26,405 crore for 72 km in 2014, the project’s scope expanded by 3 km, and subsequent revisions pushed the estimated cost to Rs 30,695 crore by 2021.
Factors contributing to the cost overrun include revised land acquisition expenses, additional kilometers added to the project, inflationary pressures, pandemic-related delays, and fluctuations in international currencies. These factors collectively added nearly Rs 10,000 crore to the project’s budget.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has submitted a revised proposal to the state finance department for approval by the Urban Development Department (UDD). The delay in project completion, originally slated for 2019 but now extended, has been attributed to delays in land acquisition and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Key expansions include extending Reach-2 in the west up to Challaghatta and adding a new depot in Kadugodi (Whitefield). Land acquisition has increased to 128.36 hectares, necessitating a compensation rise to around Rs 6,300 crore from the initial Rs 438 crore.
Road widening works are underway near stations from Baiyappanahalli to Kadugodi and Yelachenahalli to Silk Institute, with additional land acquired for the Reach-5 line (RV Road-Bommasandra). Pending finance department approval, the proposal will proceed to the urban development department for further processing.
