DK Shivakumar sets new deadlines: Blue Line to Silk Board by Dec 2026, Airport Link by June 2027
Bengaluru:
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has set new deadlines for the completion of the Blue Line metro, directing contractors to adhere to the revised timelines.
“We have instructed the contractors to finish the KR Puram–Silk Board stretch by December 2026. The KR Puram–Hebbal section must be completed by December 2027, and the Hebbal–Kempegowda International Airport section by June 2027, as committed by the contractors,” he said.
Shivakumar was speaking to the media after inspecting ongoing metro works at Kodigehalli.
“We have held discussions with the contractors. Though they have highlighted certain difficulties, I have directed them to finish the work as quickly as possible. I have come to the spot because of some issues along this stretch. Until the work here is completed, key machinery located on this site will not be allowed to be moved out of Bengaluru. Tushar Girinath has been placed in charge of this.”
He noted that “this 58-km project costs ₹15,000 crore, and the line from Silk Board to the airport will have 30 stations.”
“Once 5–10 stations along this route are completed, we are considering starting train operations between those completed stations,” he added.
Responding to questions on traffic disruption, Shivakumar said: “Work here is carried out only at night. After a fatal accident, we are proceeding with caution and adjusting work to manage congestion. That is the reality. Whatever critics say, the work must continue. Whether it is NCC or any other contractor—if they fail to meet deadlines, they will not be awarded future projects. Implementing the project is our priority. Two contractors are performing well, but there are some complaints about NCC. Work has slowed after the accident.”
Business Corridor: Compensation to be deposited at old rates if rejected
“I held review meetings on various projects from this morning. Since the winter session in Belagavi starts soon, I wanted to complete these before leaving. I have discussed with officials what needs to be done in BMRDA, BDA and the Bengaluru Business Corridor project. Farmers who accept the government’s compensation and hand over land will receive the approved package. For those who refuse, I have instructed officials to deposit the compensation amount in court at the old guideline value,” he said.
He added: “Including TDR and FAR, I have offered farmers five compensation options. Nowhere else in the country has such flexibility been offered. Whatever anyone says, I will not denotify these lands. If someone wants to challenge it in court, let them. Similar cases have already failed. The road has to be built. I have said that 35% commercial land along the roadside will be given as compensation. No other state offers commercial land as compensation. Farmers should make use of this; it will benefit them. If not, that is their choice.”