Namma Metro Phase II delays; cost surges to Rs 400 billion

29 Jul 2024 CW Team

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)

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..