Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, reviewed the progress of major urban development missions in Bengaluru today.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Shri Byrathi Suresh, Karnataka’s Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning; Shri Rahim Khan, Minister for Municipal Administration; Shri B Z Zameer Ahmad Khan, Minister for Housing; Shri K J George, Minister for Energy; and Additional Chief Secretary Shri Tushar Giri. Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs also participated.

The Union Minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress across various urban schemes. He confirmed that the revised cost estimate for Bengaluru Metro Phase-2 will be considered by the Central Government once it receives formal approval from the State Cabinet.

He noted that currently around 75 km of metro network is operational in Bengaluru, with 145 km under construction. The Central Government recently approved 45 km of Phase-3 at a cost of Rs 156 billion.

The Karnataka Government has now submitted a proposal for Phase-3A, spanning 37 km, with an estimated cost of Rs 284 billion. The Union Minister stated that the cost estimate must be reviewed by a technical agency, and the project will be taken up for central approval once Karnataka submits the necessary reply.

Shri Manohar Lal also urged the state to prioritise legacy waste management and promote the reuse of treated wastewater, calling it essential for sustainable urban development.

He advocated for permitting higher Floor Area Ratios (FAR) along mass transit corridors to reshape urban growth patterns, reduce road congestion, and encourage the use of public transport.

On Karnataka’s request for additional funds beyond existing central schemes, the Minister encouraged the state to undertake reforms necessary to qualify for the 50-year interest-free loan under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2025–26 scheme.