Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project Faces Delays, 2026 Deadline Unlikely

22 Apr 2025 CW Team

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.

Real Estate

05 Aug 2026

CREDAI-MCHI to Host 10th Design & Construction Conference

CREDAI-MCHI will host the 10th anniversary edition of its Design & Construction Conference on August 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.The event is expected to bring together more than 500 procurement leaders, construction heads, architects, consultants and senior real estate decision-makers, alongside over 50 construction and ancillary brands.The conference will feature product launches, technology showcases, knowledge sessions, strategic business-to-business networking and recognition of procurement professionals contributing to the transformation of the construction..

BorgWarner Wins Extension for High-Voltage Inverter Programmes

BorgWarner has secured a major extension of several high-volume high-voltage inverter programmes from a leading European automotive manufacturer.The contracts cover updated inverter designs for plug-in hybrid and 800V battery-electric vehicle applications. Production is scheduled to begin in 2029.Isabelle McKenzie, President and General Manager, BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems, said the programme extensions demonstrate the company’s position in power electronics and reflect the strength of its technology, in-house expertise and customer relationships.For plug-in hybrid vehicles, BorgWarner wil..

Castrol India Q2 Profit Rises 43% to Rs 3.48 bn

Castrol India reported a 43 per cent year-on-year increase in profit after tax to Rs 3.48 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, supported by growth across its consumer, industrial and institutional businesses.Revenue from operations increased 25 per cent to Rs 18.71 billion during the second quarter of 2026, compared with Rs 14.97 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. EBITDA rose 41 per cent to Rs 4.94 billion from Rs 3.50 billion.Sequentially, revenue increased from Rs 15.45 billion in the first quarter of 2026, while EBITDA rose from Rs 3.29 billion. Profit after tax increased ..