Bengaluru Suburban Rail Back on Track as K-RIDE Divides Mallige Line Work into Three Packages

Work on Bengaluru's long-delayed suburban rail project is back in motion. The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE) has called for fresh tenders to complete the remaining civil works on Corridor-2, better known as the Mallige Line, running between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara.

The project, which had slowed down after Larsen & Toubro (L&T) pulled out earlier this year, will now move ahead through three separate construction packages. K-RIDE hopes this new approach will help regain lost time and keep the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) on track.

The need for re-tendering arose after what officials described as the "unilateral and illegal" termination of contracts by L&T. The company had earlier won contracts for both Corridor-2 and Corridor-4 but withdrew, citing delays in land handovers and other issues.

To get things moving again, K-RIDE has divided the balance work of Corridor-2 into three packages, each covering different stretches and components of the route.

Three Packages to Resume Work

Under Package 1, K-RIDE has invited bids for the design and construction of an elevated viaduct with ramps covering a 7.795-km stretch between Benniganahalli and Shettihalli. It also includes a 1.20-km double-decker viaduct between Lottegollahalli and Yeshwanthpur - a first for the corridor - with a flyover at Level 1 and suburban rail tracks at Level 2. Stations at Mathikere and Benniganahalli are also part of this package. The completion period has been set at 24 months.

Package 2 focuses on an 11.569-km at-grade stretch between Benniganahalli-Banaswadi and Banaswadi-Hebbal. It includes construction of station boxes at Nagavara and Kanakanagar, along with bridges, retaining walls and road under-bridges. This segment has an 18-month completion target.

Meanwhile, Package 3 covers the section between Yeshwanthpur and Chikkabanavara, spanning 5.8 km. It includes an elevated viaduct of 185 metres and has been allotted an 18-month deadline.

When completed, Corridor-2 will remove eight level crossings along the stretch, easing congestion and improving safety for commuters.

Board's Nod for New Tenders

The decision to call for re-tenders was approved during K-RIDE's board meeting in October, chaired by the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, who also heads the company. The Board authorised the Managing Director to initiate the process and ensure that work resumes without delay.

An official from K-RIDE said, "The fresh tenders have been floated on the advice of the Advocate General of Karnataka, who suggested moving ahead even as arbitration with L&T continues."

What Led to L&T's Withdrawal

L&T had originally won the civil work contracts for the two corridors - Corridor-2 in August 2022 and Corridor-4 in December 2023 - with deadlines extended up to September and October 2026 respectively. However, work came to a halt earlier this year after disputes over land acquisition and project delays.

According to officials, only 30-35% of the work on the two corridors had been completed when L&T exited. Legal proceedings are now underway, and a three-member panel of retired judges has been appointed to mediate between the company and K-RIDE.

Despite the setback, the agency remains optimistic that the new tender process will put the long-awaited suburban rail project back on track. Once operational, the BSRP is expected to ease traffic pressure on Bengaluru's roads and offer a faster, more reliable commuting alternative for thousands of daily passengers.