Bengaluru: Namma Metro’s Central Silk Board Junction-KIA Blue Line crosses 72% completion
The Bengaluru Metro’s much-awaited Blue Line, connecting Central Silk Board Junction to Kempegowda International Airport, has achieved 72.5% physical progress, while the Union government has
The Bengaluru Metro’s much-awaited Blue Line, connecting Central Silk Board Junction to Kempegowda International Airport, has achieved 72.5% physical progress, while the Union government has released ₹26,447.27 crore for various phases of the Namma Metro project, according to a reply tabled in the Lok Sabha. Responding to an unstarred question by Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan on Thursday, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said that the Centre has released a cumulative ₹26,447.27 crore, including equity and subordinate debt, to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for Phase 2, Phase 2A/2B and Phase 3 of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project as of July 30, 2026.
The Ministry stated that the 58.19-km Phase 2A and 2B corridor, known as the Blue Line or the Outer Ring Road-Airport Metro, stretches from Central Silk Board Junction to Kempegowda International Airport via Hebbal Junction and comprises 29 stations. As of June 30, 2026, the corridor had recorded 72.50% physical progress and 70.17% financial progress. Replying about the timeline for completing the Blue Line and other metro phases, the Centre did not specify any commissioning date. Instead, it noted that metro rail projects are generally completed within five to six years from the date of sanction, but actual completion depends on several factors, including timely land acquisition, tree-cutting permissions and resolution of court cases.
The reply also addressed issues affecting project implementation, including progress in civil construction, rolling stock delivery and depot connectivity required for trial runs and passenger operations. However, the Ministry did not elaborate on project-specific bottlenecks beyond reiterating that statutory approvals and legal hurdles can influence construction timelines. On measures being taken to expedite the project, the Centre said a High Powered Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary of the State concerned, regularly reviews metro projects to enable faster decision-making. It added that metro projects are implemented through joint venture special purpose vehicles (SPVs) with equal representation from the Centre and the State government, with progress monitored by their respective boards.
The Ministry further said project implementation is reviewed under the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) mechanism and the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) of the Central government to ensure timely completion and utilisation of Central funds.
The BriefWire