Siddaramaiah says Karnataka provides 87% of Metro project funds, promises 220 km network in Bengaluru by 2030

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on August 10 said that the state government shoulders 87.37 percent of the funding for Bengaluru’s Metro projects, with the central government contributing only 12.63 percent.

Speaking after the inauguration of the Metro Yellow Line, Siddaramaiah said that the state is committed to expand Bengaluru’s Metro network to 220 Km by 2030.

“The central government provides financial and technical assistance for the metro project, but it is the state government that has largely funded the phases 1, 2A, 2B, and 3 of the metro,” Siddaramaiah said.

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“So far, the state has contributed Rs 25,387 crore, in addition to Rs 3,987 crore towards loan repayments as extra financial assistance. Overall, Rs 59,139 crore has been allocated for the metro projects, with the state responsible for 87.37 percent of this, and the central government only 12.63 percent - that is Rs 7,468.86 crore from the Union treasury.”

He explained that while the funding model initially agreed upon was a 50:50 partnership between the state and central governments, much of the central share came as loans that must be repaid with interest by the state government and Metro agencies. “Because of this, the financial burden on the state has increased substantially,” he added.

With the opening of the Yellow Line, Bengaluru Metro now boasts the longest operational metro network in South India at 96.10 km.

“The Rs 7,160 crore Yellow Line will provide safe, rapid transit to thousands of professionals, students, and employees working in Bengaluru’s major IT and biotech hubs,” the Chief Minister said. “We expect about 3.5 lakh passengers to use this line daily, significantly easing traffic congestion around Central Silk Board and Jayadeva Hospital.”

He said that the Yellow Line also enhances connectivity to key hospitals and industrial zones, and the state-funded double-decker flyover from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board will improve traffic flow at some of Bengaluru’s busiest intersections.

“The increasing urbanisation and population growth are putting immense pressure on our roads. Currently, around 9 lakh passengers use the Bengaluru Metro daily. With the Yellow Line addition, this is expected to cross 12.5 lakh,” he said.

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Siddaramaiah outlined plans for Metro Phase 2A and 2B, a 58 km route linking the Outer Ring Road to the airport at a cost of Rs 15,131 crore, slated for completion by December 2027. Phase 3’s 44.65 km route, costing Rs 15,611 crore, will further enhance connectivity, with civil works will begin soon.

“The Detailed Project Report for Metro 3A (Hebbal- Sarjapur) has been submitted to the Union government for approval. Once it is approved, construction will begin,” he said.

He also said the ongoing feasibility study for a 53 km double-decker Metro line under Phase 4 and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing a 220 km metro network by 2030 to facilitate travel for 30 lakh commuters.

Siddaramaiah praised companies like Infosys Foundation, Biocon, and Delta Electronics for partnering in station construction. “I am confident that public-private partnerships will further strengthen Bengaluru’s development,” he said.

He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accord Karnataka development priority akin to that given to Gujarat and Maharashtra. “Our state contributes 35-40 percent of India’s IT exports, with Bengaluru playing a major role. Over 40 percent of electronics exports and R&D comes from Karnataka. We are investing Rs 1.35 lakh crore in projects to make Bengaluru a model city and urge the central government to join hands in this endeavour.”

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