Namma Metro Update: Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has slammed the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials for the delays in the ongoing construction work on the Blue Line metro. The minister stated that the delays have been causing problems for the commuters, adding that the much-awaited project will boost the regional connectivity. The Blue Line will provide relief to thousands of commuters by cutting the travel time and reducing traffic congestion. It will connect the IT corridors of the tech city to the airport, leading to convenience for the passengers.
While conducting an inspection of the Phase 2B stretch from Nagawara to Bagalur Cross on Sunday, Gowda slammed the contractors for the "unacceptable" pace. “If it takes two years to build a single pillar, how can you suddenly claim the work will be completed in two months? Can you do magic?” the minister was quoted as saying by The Hindu. He further criticised the officials for blocking some of the regions for the construction purposes.
Gowda also stated that the debris has blocked parts of roads in several regions, further directing the authorities to clear them as soon as possible. The much-awaited Blue Line was expected to be inaugurated in 2025; however, it has been delayed to 2027 due to the delay in construction. The minister stated that the performance of the contractors and concerned authorities has not been up to the mark.
The first stretch of the Blue Line between Central Silk Board and KR Pura is likely to open by December 2026. This 19-km route is expected to support large numbers of commuters who travel daily between Southeast Bengaluru and the Outer Ring Road technology zones.
The Blue Line covers a total length of 58 km and has an estimated cost of Rs 15,000 crore. The project includes elevated tracks, underground sections, and supporting depot facilities, making it one of Bengaluru’s largest metro undertakings.