Bengaluru Metro Airport Line has been delayed due to an unresolved issue with a power grid located along the proposed route near the Doddajala station. The delay, which has persisted for over three months, has stalled the installation of critical infrastructure necessary to complete the line.
Despite multiple requests for a power shutdown from the Power Grid Corporation of India, the authorities have yet to grant permission, which has left Metro officials frustrated and unable to proceed with vital work. Metro sources reported that six U-girders, essential components for the construction of the line, could not be erected because power lines run above the intended construction site. The Metro project team has requested a shutdown for just three consecutive nights to allow for the safe installation of the girders, but the ongoing inability to secure approval from the Power Grid Corporation has left the project in limbo. The decision not to approve the shutdown despite the urgency of the situation has compounded the delays, leaving many questioning the efficiency of coordination between government bodies and utilities.
The Metro’s progress was expected to be swift, with most sections of the Airport Line proceeding on schedule. The ongoing delay, however, affects the critical section that runs from K R Pura to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), which would serve as a vital transportation link to one of India’s busiest airports. Despite this setback, other sections of the line are moving ahead, with nearly 75% of the work already completed. The final stretch, running a total of 15.01 km, requires a total of 758 girders, of which 693 have already been cast and 601 erected. This issue highlights the complex challenges faced in urban infrastructure projects, particularly in rapidly developing cities like Bengaluru. The delay not only impacts the timely delivery of the project but also affects the long-term plans for enhancing public transport connectivity in the city. In light of these challenges, the state government has also moved to extend the metro line to Devanahalli, which will further improve connectivity in the region. This extension was announced in the recent budget speech by the Chief Minister, underlining the growing importance of expanding the city’s transportation infrastructure.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the agency responsible for the project, has expressed hope that the issues with the power grid will be resolved soon. With the election season approaching and the growing demand for efficient urban mobility solutions, there is a heightened sense of urgency to complete the airport line, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time significantly. If the work is completed as planned, BMRCL intends to inaugurate the KIA to Hebbal section by September and the remaining portion from Hebbal to K R Pura by December.
The inability to secure a shutdown for the power grid highlights a crucial bottleneck in the execution of large-scale infrastructure projects. As the city grows, these types of delays can erode public confidence in the efficiency of essential projects that are meant to enhance urban mobility. Bengaluru’s residents and commuters will be closely watching to see how quickly the issue is resolved and whether the project can stay on track to meet its revised deadlines. Ultimately, the situation calls for improved coordination between utilities and infrastructure projects to ensure the timely completion of vital urban projects, which are essential for the city’s development and growth. As more challenges arise in Bengaluru’s metro expansion, the need for effective problem-solving and clear communication becomes even more evident, ensuring that future delays are minimized, and the city’s infrastructure goals are met without further setbacks.
