Namma Metro Blue Line To Bengaluru Airport Faces Delays As Contractors Fall Short of Deadlines

The much-anticipated Bengaluru Metro Blue Line, connecting Silk Board to the Bengaluru International Airport, is facing delays due to several contractors falling short of their deadlines. This raises concerns about when commuters will finally be able to enjoy a hassle-free ride to the airport.

The project relies on three companies - Afcons, SNC, and NCC - to handle construction for different sections of the line. While the initial plan outlined completion of civil works by 2024, the current progress suggests a longer wait.

Afcons, responsible for the stretch from Silk Board to Kodibeesanahalli (Devarabisanahalli), appears to be lagging furthest behind. Despite being awarded the contract in May 2021 with a deadline of June 2024, they have only completed 65% of the pillar caps and 40% of the U-girders. This significant shortfall indicates a potential one-year delay for their section alone.

SNC is responsible for the stretch from Kodi Beesanahalli (Devarabisanahalli) to KR Puram, where they have completed 90% of the pillar work and 75% of the pillar cap and U-girder installation. Awarded the tender in October 2020, they were given 27 months to complete the work.

NCC is handling 37 km of the blue route in three phases: Benniganahalli to Kempapur (Phase-1), Kempapura to Yelahanka Air Base (Phase-2), and Yelahanka Air Base to International Airport (Phase-3). They have installed 75% of the pillars and 50% of the pillar caps, with U-girder installation underway. Despite the deadline of December 2024, the work's completion by NCC seems uncertain.

The Blue Line's construction is divided into two phases: from Silk Board to KR Puram (13 stations) and from KR Puram to the Airport (17 stations). While the work is progressing rapidly due to all stations being elevated, there are doubts regarding the timely completion of the civil works.