The inauguration of Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line has triggered a funding dispute between the Karnataka government and the Centre, with state minister Priyank Kharge alleging that Karnataka is bearing nearly 84 per cent of the project cost while the Centre is contributing about 16 per cent.
Kharge made the allegation on Thursday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Bengaluru on Friday to inaugurate the Pink Line section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere. The project has been developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 3,470 crore.
According to Kharge, Karnataka’s share includes expenses related to land acquisition and legal costs. He questioned the Centre’s contribution to the state over the past 13 years and said the metro project was being presented as a central achievement despite the state carrying most of the financial burden.
“Complete credit goes to the Centre,” Kharge said, referring to metro projects and centrally sponsored schemes. “But they’re not doing us a favour.” His comments followed a press conference by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Wednesday, in which Gowda urged the Centre to provide greater central funding and expedite project approvals.
The Pink Line inauguration is expected to mark a new operational milestone for Bengaluru’s expanding metro network. The specific operational details, including the date on which passenger services will begin on the inaugurated section, were not provided in the supplied report.
Kharge also linked the funding dispute to Karnataka’s wider demand for a larger share of central taxes. He said the state was a major contributor to India’s economy, generated employment and absorbed migrants, but was not receiving financial support proportionate to its contribution. He said additional assistance would help Karnataka improve infrastructure, address regional disparities and create more jobs.
The minister separately urged the Centre to release drought assistance to Karnataka without delay. He recalled that the state had approached the Supreme Court over drought relief the previous year and alleged that funds were released only after the court intervened. He called for assistance due to Karnataka and its residents to be released promptly in view of the prevailing drought situation.
Kharge also criticised BJP MPs from Karnataka, alleging that they would not raise the state’s concerns with the Centre. The supplied report does not include a response from the Union government or BJP representatives to the allegations over metro financing, tax devolution or drought relief.
The dispute places the financial structure of Bengaluru’s infrastructure expansion alongside the Pink Line’s inauguration, with the state government seeking greater central funding and faster approvals for projects and relief measures.
