Synopsis: Bengaluru is spending huge resources on transport infrastructure, but some of its key projects are lagging behind. This article covers the most delayed metro lines, flyovers, elevated corridors and tunnel roads of the city, detailing their initial plans, current status, cause of the delays and projected completion dates.
While Bengaluru is taking one of the largest moves towards expanding its infrastructure, numerous flagship projects have missed their target completion dates. The delay of Metro lines, elevated corridors and tunnel roads for various reasons, including delays in land acquisition, funding, design changes, and pending approvals, has resulted in higher costs and longer traffic delays.
Namma Metro Projects
Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara–Nagawara Phase 2)
The line was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025, but it is now proposed that it will open in stages, the elevated section by August 2026 and the whole corridor by March 2027. This is primarily because of the termination of contractor Simplex Infrastructure, the slow progress of tunnelling works, construction of the stations, and delays in signalling and systems integration, which are expected to be resolved within the next few months.
Blue Line (Phase 2A & 2B)
The corridor was originally slated to launch in 2026, but it is most likely to be available in phases by 2027. Construction delays on the Outer Ring Road, depot works, viaduct construction and integration of metro systems have caused delays of 6-12 months or longer.
Orange Line (JP Nagar 4th Phase -Kempapura Phase 3)
Construction works were anticipated to commence in 2023–24, but the project is yet to receive significant ground work. There have been DPR revisions, a redesign of the proposed double-decker section, and pending approvals, which have stalled the corridor for 2–3 years now.
Red Line (Hebbal-Sarjapur Phase 3A)
It was hoped that construction would begin in 2025, the site is still in the approval process. It has already been pushed past its target date of 2023, primarily because of the government’s approvals, investments, and specific plans.
Airport Metro (Blue line- Northern Section Phase 2B)
The metro was planned to be in operation mid-2026, but is now expected to come into operation in 2027. The reason for the delay has been attributed to continuing civil works, station construction, and the need to integrate the metro stations with other metro systems, like signalling and power.
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Elevated Corridor Projects
Varthur Village Elevated Corridor(~4 km)
The proposal for the corridor was introduced to facilitate traffic in Varthur with a target completion date set for 2027 and is yet to be built because of funding constraints and awaiting administrative approval. New completion dates are not yet available.
Indiranagar and Silk board Elevated Corridor
Although the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been approved, the project is yet to enter execution. Construction has been delayed due to pending approvals and financing/tendering.
Varthur–Gunjur Elevated Corridor
The corridor has been delayed as a result of its connection to the larger SH-35 road improvement project that has experienced land acquisition and execution delays. Construction schedules are still unknown.
37-km Double Decker Corridor (Orange Line Route)
Planned alongside the orange line metro, this double decker corridor is under review after design observations raised technical evaluation. The project has been delayed by another 2-3 years due to redesign and further approvals to start construction.
Tunnel Roads Behind Schedule
Hebbal-Silk Board Tunnel Road 16.74 km long
Anticipated to be in construction by 2025; however, it is still in the tender phase. It is delayed because of its high cost of projects, financing, environmental clearance and pending tenders. There’s no new start date announced yet.
KR Puram–Mysore Road This (~18 km)
This tunnel was also anticipated to be executed following project approval, but is still in the proposal stage. The project has been delayed because of the funding challenges and detailed planning and government approvals have yet to be completed, and construction has not started.
Flyovers & Underpass behind schedule
Ejipura Flyover
The flyover was originally scheduled to be completed in 2019 but is now expected to be in operation by October 2026, which is a delay of nearly 7 years. Contractor disputes, legal problems and numerous construction delays were the factors that delayed the project.
Kadugodi Flyover
The flyover was originally planned to be completed in 2025, but has faced delays due to the slower pace of construction and the need to relocate utilities. A new opening date is expected.
Varthur Kodi Flyover
The project is also expected to be in 2025, but the completion delays have pushed the timeline back, as has land acquisition. It has not been confirmed that the new completion time is the same.
Hope Farm Underpass
The underpass was previously scheduled to open in October 2026, but was delayed. The delays have been due to construction and utility relocation.
Jakkur ROB (Rail Over Bridge)
The project was initially planned to be completed in 2025, but has since been delayed as a result of construction issues and railway coordination.
Yelahanka Flyover
Delays in utility relocations and civil works have pushed back the flyover’s completion date by more than a year to October 2026.
Conclusion
Bengaluru plans for 10 metro lines, 5 flyovers, elevated corridors and tunnel roads with an ambitious timeline are in the pipeline to improve the mobility in Bengaluru. But ongoing delays due to contractual, approval, funding, and land acquisition problems are still delaying the project’s completion dates. The successful implementation of these much-anticipated initiatives within a timely frame will play a pivotal role in alleviating traffic congestion and fostering the city’s development.
