Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the long-delayed 148-km Bengaluru suburban rail project in June 2022, promising completion within 40 months. However, 34 months later, progress remains sluggish. Contractor L&T has shifted most of its resources to other projects, leaving work on earthworks, blanketing, and retaining walls sporadic.

The Union government had approved the project in October 2020, with a deadline of 2026, but meeting this target now seems unlikely. Only two of the four corridors, Mallige Line (Baiyyappanahalli–Chikkabanavara) and Kanaka Line (Heelalige–Rajanakunte), have started construction.

L&T, which won the contract for the two corridors, has cited delays in land acquisition as a reason for suspending work. The company has even threatened to withdraw from the project. With court stay orders from private landowners adding to the delays, the project’s timeline is now in jeopardy. Engineers assigned to the project are quitting due to frustrations over slow progress and stalled work.

Government sources stated that land acquisition delays and rising costs are major hurdles, and while some land has been handed over, ongoing disputes with private landowners complicate matters. Additionally, the lack of a full-time managing director at K-RIDE, coupled with poor coordination, has further hampered the project.

Despite these challenges, efforts continue, with the state government pledging to resolve land-related issues and keep the project moving forward. However, given the current pace, meeting the 2026 deadline is becoming increasingly unlikely.