New Delhi: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of various urban development missions in Bengaluru on Friday, with a strong focus on metro expansion, urban sustainability, and infrastructure reforms.
The review meeting was attended by several senior leaders from the Government of Karnataka, including Byrathi Suresh, Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning; Rahim Khan, Minister for Municipal Administration; B Z Zameer Ahmad Khan, Minister for Housing; and KJ George, Minister for Energy. Tushar Giri, Additional Chief Secretary, along with senior officials from the state and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, were also present.
Manohar Lal expressed satisfaction over the progress of urban development projects in the state and reiterated the Central Government's continued support. He stated that the revised cost estimate for the Bangalore Metro Phase-2 project will be taken up for approval by the Centre once the proposal is cleared by the State Cabinet and formally submitted.
Providing an update on the metro expansion, the Union Minister highlighted that about 75 km of metro network is currently operational in Bengaluru, with another 145 km under construction. Recently, the Central Government sanctioned 45 km of Phase-3 metro lines at an estimated cost of Rs 15,600 crore.
In addition, the Karnataka government has submitted a proposal for Bangalore Metro Phase-3A, covering approximately 37 km at a projected cost of Rs 28,400 crore. The Union Minister stated that the cost estimates for Phase-3A will be examined by an expert agency, as per directions already issued by the Centre. The project will be considered for central approval after the state responds with the required documentation.
Addressing broader urban challenges, Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of addressing legacy waste and called for prioritizing the reuse of treated wastewater, highlighting that sustainable water management is critical to preserving freshwater resources in urban areas.
The Union Minister also stressed the need to allow higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) along mass transit corridors, a move that can support transit-oriented development, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage greater use of public transport.
During discussions on funding needs beyond centrally approved schemes, Manohar Lal urged the Karnataka government to implement eligible reforms to avail benefits under the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) 2025-26,’ which offers 50-year interest-free loans to states undertaking specific capital expenditure reforms.
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