Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure a more equitable sharing of costs between the Centre and the state for Bengaluru Metro projects. He also sought faster approvals for pending expansion proposals.
Speaking at an event attended by Modi, Shivakumar said that although Metro projects were structured around a 50:50 partnership, Karnataka was bearing a substantially higher financial burden due to land acquisition costs, state taxes, loan repayments and other expenses.
He urged the Centre to share operational cash losses and foreign exchange risks arising from external loans. He cited the financial support extended to the Delhi Metro as a model that could be considered for Bengaluru.
Shivakumar also sought expedited clearances for proposed Metro corridors, pointing out that approvals for the proposed Red Line had been pending for nearly two years despite the preparation of detailed project reports. He requested that Metro proposals be included in regular PRAGATI reviews to ensure timely decisions.
The Deputy Chief Minister proposed setting up a dedicated technical institution for Metro rail systems to assess projects, streamline approvals and promote indigenous technology.
Karnataka aims to expand Bengaluru’s Metro network to at least 500 km with the Centre’s support. The operational network has crossed 103 km, and the state says further expansion is necessary to address the city’s traffic congestion.
The funding dispute has also drawn differing claims from the two sides. Karnataka has said it bears nearly 84 per cent of the combined cost of the approved Metro phases and the estimated cost of Phase 3. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has disputed this calculation, arguing that it includes foreign loans secured with the Centre’s sovereign backing.
Shivakumar’s appeal comes as the state seeks greater central support for Bengaluru’s transport infrastructure and faster decisions on pending projects.
(With inputs from media reports)