Namma Metro Blue Line Achieves 72.5% Physical Progress; Centre Releases ₹26,447 Crore

The Bengaluru Metro's much-awaited Blue Line, which will connect Central Silk Board Junction to Kempegowda International Airport, has recorded 72.5% physical progress, according to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The government also informed Parliament that cumulative funds of ₹26,447.27 crore have been released for various phases of the Namma Metro project.

The details were provided in a reply to an unstarred question raised by Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The Ministry stated that the central government has released ₹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. This release is as of July 30, 2026.

The Blue Line, part of Phase 2A and 2B, is a 58.19-km corridor that stretches from Central Silk Board Junction to the airport via Hebbal Junction. It comprises 29 stations. As of June 30, 2026, the corridor achieved 72.50% physical progress and 70.17% financial progress.

When asked about the timeline for completing the Blue Line and other phases, the Centre did not specify any commissioning date. The Ministry noted that metro rail projects are generally completed within five to six years from the date of sanction. However, 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, such as civil construction progress, rolling stock delivery, and depot connectivity required for trial runs and passenger operations. The Ministry did not elaborate on project-specific bottlenecks, reiterating only that statutory approvals and legal hurdles can influence construction timelines.

On measures to expedite the project, the Centre said a High Powered Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary of the concerned state, regularly reviews metro projects to enable faster decision-making. 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. Additionally, 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.