The cost of Bengaluru Metro?s Phase-2 network has surged to nearly Rs 400 billion, marking a 52% increase from the original estimate a decade ago. Approved in 2014, the project initially spanned 72 km at a cost of Rs 264.05 billion, with an additional 3 km later incorporated, and was set for completion by 2019. By 2021, the cost had escalated to Rs 306.95 billion. The revised proposal has now been sent by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) to the State Finance Department for approval through the Urban Development Department (UDD).

Additional Chief Secretary of UDD, SR Umashankar, cited several factors for the increased costs, including revised land acquisition costs, extension of kilometres, inflation, pandemic-related delays, and fluctuations in international currencies. The primary reason for the cost hike is attributed to delays. Phase-II, initially set for completion in 2019, remains unfinished five years later. A senior UDD official noted that adhering to the original timeline would have prevented such a massive escalation. Land acquisition delays were a significant contributing factor.

BMRCL has undertaken several extensions and additions, contributing to the increased costs. The Reach-2 extension, originally terminating at Kengeri, now extends to Challaghatta. A new depot has been added at Kadugodi (Whitefield) on the eastern side. Additionally, 128.36 hectares of land have been acquired versus the initially planned 84.33 hectares, raising compensation costs to nearly Rs 63 billion, up by Rs 4.38 billion.

Road-widening projects near many metro stations, including the stretches from Baiyappanahalli to Kadugodi and Yelachenahalli to Silk Institute, have also added to the costs. Additional land was acquired for the Reach-5 line (R V Road-Bommasandra). Following approval from the State Finance Department, the revised proposal will be sent to the Centre?s Urban Development Department. (Source: TNIE)