The cost of the long-pending Bengaluru suburban rail project has increased significantly, rising from ₹15,767 crore to ₹23,342 crore — an escalation of nearly 48 percent — primarily due to delays and changes in the rolling stock procurement model.
The 148-km suburban rail network in Bengaluru, which received approval in 2020, was initially scheduled to be completed by October 2026. However, the completion deadline has now been extended to March 2030.
According to Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd (K-RIDE), the implementing agency of the project, the cost escalation is largely driven by inflation and a shift in the procurement strategy for train coaches.
K-RIDE Managing Director Lakshman Singh said the earlier project cost estimate did not include the procurement of rolling stock, as the plan was to obtain train coaches through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, the model has now been revised, with the government opting to directly procure the rolling stock.
The change means the cost of train coaches—estimated at around ₹4,300 crore—has been added to the project budget. Additionally, annual inflation of around 5–6 percent over the past five years has further pushed up overall expenses.
Meanwhile, civic groups have raised concerns over repeated delays in the project. Rajkumar Dugar, founder and convenor of Citizens for Citizens (C4C), said prolonged delays will continue to inflate costs and postpone the delivery of a crucial public transport system for the city.
He noted that key tenders, including civil works for the Maligne Line between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara, are yet to be finalized, while clarity on the rolling stock contract is still pending.
Experts warn that if project costs continue to rise, it could eventually lead to higher fares, undermining the goal of providing affordable and accessible public transport for Bengaluru’s growing population.
