The much-anticipated Hebbal-Sarjapur Metro corridor, crucial for Bengaluru’s connectivity between key tech hubs and business districts, continues to face delays. The 37-km Red Line, connecting Sarjapur to Hebbal through the Central Business District and Koramangala, was approved by the state government in December 2024, with a projected cost of Rs 28,405 crore. However, despite the central government’s request four months ago for a reassessment of the project’s cost, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has yet to respond.
Also read: Centre orders reassessment of costs for Namma Metro Red Line project
Red Line is set to become the most expensive corridor
At an estimated cost of Rs 776 crore per kilometre, the Red Line is set to become the most expensive segment in the Namma Metro network’s history. The project has also drawn attention for its delays, not only in securing approval but in advancing tenders for civil works under Phase 3, which was cleared by the central government over a year ago. Bengaluru Central MP, PC Mohan, reportedly expressed concerns over the sluggish pace, warning that further inaction could push project completion to 2041, hike costs, and burden commuters with higher fares.
Experts also point out that the slow-moving metro project contrasts sharply with the speed at which road infrastructure is being developed in the city. The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, had previously called for an expert review of the cost estimate for the Hebbal-Sarjapur corridor.