Karnataka bears 84% of Bengaluru Metro project costs, seeks greater Centre funding

Karnataka to urge Centre to consider greater funding support for Namma Metro and mechanisms to reduce foreign exchange risks, as Bengaluru’s growing infrastructure requirements called for a more equitable Centre-State partnership. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Karnataka is bearing 84% of the total cost of Bengaluru Metro projects, with the Centre contributing only 16%, Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said on Wednesday (November 11, 2026), seeking a greater financial contribution from the Union Government and faster clearances for pending projects.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the inauguration of the elevated stretch of the pink line of Bengaluru metro by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 13, he said the combined project outlay for Metro Phases 1, 2, 2A, 2B and the estimated cost of Phase 3 stood at ₹77,891 crore.

Of this, Karnataka was contributing ₹65,291 crore, while the Centre's share was ₹12,600 crore. The Minister said the State would make a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bengaluru.

Greater funding support from Centre needed

Mr. Gowda said that Karnataka was also bearing the land acquisition costs, Metro operating losses and additional expenditure arising from delays and foreign currency fluctuations in international loans. He urged the Centre to consider greater funding support and mechanisms to reduce foreign exchange risks, stating that Bengaluru's growing infrastructure requirements called for a more equitable Centre-State partnership.

Mr. Gowda also sought early approval for the proposed 37.8-km Sarjapur–Hebbal Red Line, whose proposal has been pending with the Centre since January 2025. He said delays in clearances were leading to cost escalations, with the additional financial burden falling on the State. The corridor is expected to improve connectivity to some of Bengaluru's most congested areas, including Sarjapur Road and the Outer Ring Road.

Pine Line inauguration

Meanwhile, Bengaluru is set to cross the 100-km milestone in its operational Metro network with the inauguration of the 7.5-km elevated section of the Pink Line. The stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere (Suddaguntepalya) will open to the public at 6 a.m. on November 14, taking the operational network to approximately 103 km.

Initially, five trains will operate on the stretch at an interval of eight minutes. The Minister said the interchange facility at Jayadeva station would provide connectivity to the Electronics City corridor and other parts of the city, including Silk Board, HSR Layout, Jayanagar, Majestic and Whitefield.

The State government is targeting an operational Metro network of 170 km over the next 18 months, with major sections of the Blue Line connecting Central Silk Board, KR Puram, Hebbal and Kempegowda International Airport expected to become operational next year.

The government is also planning to take forward the 44.5-km Orange Line, with tenders and commencement of work targeted within six months. The long-term vision is to expand Bengaluru's Metro network to 400–500 km.

Published - November 11, 2026 05:50 pm IST