Fresh Assessment Finds 287-Kilometre Bengaluru Circular Rail Project Too Expensive to Build

Union Minister V. Somanna said that the long-delayed Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) remains on hold as contractors have withdrawn, and new tenders will be called to complete the remaining civil work on Corridor 2 (Benniganahalli-Chikkabanavara, 25.01 km) and Corridor 4 (Heelalige-Rajanukunte, 46.88 km).

The project ran into major trouble in August 2025 when L&T, the contractor in charge of two key routes - Corridor Two from Chikkabanavara to Bennigenahalli and Corridor Four from Heelalige to Rajankunte - suddenly ended its contracts. The move surprised many and drew sharp criticism from the Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprises (K-RIDE), which is implementing the project. K-RIDE said the contracts were valid until September and October 2026 and that L&T was not allowed to withdraw on its own.

According to K-RIDE, L&T violated the agreement by making unreasonable demands, such as asking for mid-project price revisions and a shift from the agreed Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model to an itemised Bill of Quantities (BOQ) format. The agency said these changes were not permitted under the contract.

Officials pointed out that most of the required land had already been handed over to the company. About 84 per cent of the land for Corridor Two and 17 kilometres along Corridor Four were made available, yet the work remained far behind schedule. They also alleged that L&T failed to mobilise enough staff and equipment, changed project managers frequently, and delayed approvals for designs.

Somanna also mentioned that plans are underway to extend the metro network towards Kanakapura and Tumkur. He added that certain sections of the railway line will be converted into double tracks to improve efficiency.

At the Yeshwantpur Coaching Depot, more than 400 technical staff are currently employed. Over 400 coaches are cleaned every day, with each part of the train, from carriages to wheels, undergoing detailed inspection and repair. He noted that e-waste generated this year has been disposed of scientifically, and the funds obtained from it will be used to improve cleanliness at the facility.

Somanna further stated that the country has a total of 65,000 railway police personnel. Alongside the Railway Protection Force, local police also assist in maintaining security. However, he acknowledged a shortage of around 4,000 personnel and said that steps would soon be taken to fill these vacancies.

287-Km Bengaluru Circular Rail Link Project Not Feasible

Somanna clarified that the proposed Bengaluru Outer Ring Railway project, also known as the Bengaluru Circular Rail Link, is currently not feasible. The project envisions a 287-kilometre circular network around the city. While the initial estimate placed the cost at ₹65,000 crore, recent assessments suggest the total expenditure could approach ₹1 lakh crore once land acquisition is included. "It is not practical to implement such a massive project under present conditions," he said.

On the Tunnel Road Project

Referring to Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar's push for the tunnel road project, Somanna said the proposal should not be treated as a matter of personal prestige. He urged the government to prioritise public interest and to examine potential issues through scientific study. He also suggested that the recommendations made by MP Tejasvi Surya be considered with an open mind.