Centre Orders Fresh Cost Review for Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Red Line ₹28,405 Crore Plan Under Scrutiny
The Union Housing & Urban Affairs Ministry has sent back the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Bengaluru’s proposed Namma Metro Red Line (Hebbal–Sarjapur) for cost re-evaluation. The 36.59 km corridor with 28 stations was pegged at ₹28,405 crore, but rising land and construction charges are prompting independent verification before Centre’s 50% equity approval.
Bengaluru’s ambitious metro expansion has encountered another hurdle. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has refused to green-light funding for the proposed Red Line (Hebbal ↔ Sarjapur) without a fresh cost re-evaluation despite the Karnataka government having secured cabinet approval in December 2024.
Background & Project Scope
• The DPR envisions a 36.59 km corridor featuring 28 stations, with a cost estimate of ₹28,405 crore, which works out to ~₹776.3 crore per km.
• Of this, land acquisition and associated costs account for about ₹8,080 crore, including ₹1,224 crore for private land acquisition.
• The alignment includes 22.14 km elevated viaducts and 14.45 km tunnels.
• Around 161.65 acres of land are earmarked, including 55.69 acres near Sarjapur Circle intended for a depot.
• The corridor will pass through major hubs Sarjapur, Bellandur, Agara, NIMHANS, Town Hall, KR Circle, Mekhri Circle, Hebbal, and others.
• Roughly 836 properties stand to be affected: 314 residential, 37 commercial, 63 industrial, plus others.
Why the Centre Wants Re-Evaluation
The Ministry has returned the DPR to the state government, citing concerns over rising costs and the need for independent verification before releasing its 50% equity share. BMRCL officials say they have engaged external consultants to redo the cost estimates.
The re-assessment is seen as a critical gatekeeping step: if costs are deemed unjustified or inflated, the project could be stalled or scaled down.
Challenges & Stakes
• Escalating construction and raw material costs are common in large infrastructure works, especially in urban settings.
• Land acquisition and displacement pose social, legal, and political challenges.
• Delays in metro expansion can worsen traffic congestion, pollution, and slow down the city’s growth trajectory.
What Happens Next
• The independent consultants will analyze all components civil works, tunneling, land, environmental mitigation, utility shifting, etc.
• After reevaluation, the DPR will be resubmitted to the Centre for final approval and funding allocation.
• If discrepancies remain or costs are deemed excessive, the corridor length, station count, or design (tunnel vs elevated) might be modified.
Bengaluru watchers and commuters alike will watch this closely a refined cost estimate could make or break the future of the city’s Red Line.
