Karnataka bore bigger share of Namma Metro costs, says CM Siddaramaiah

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 10, 2025: The political rivalry between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the BJP-led Centre flared up on Sunday during the inauguration of the Yellow Line of Namma Metro, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted the state’s heavier financial burden in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Siddaramaiah claimed the state had funded 87.37% of the ₹7,160 crore Yellow Line project, while the Centre contributed only 12.63%. He said the original 50:50 funding agreement had shifted, with loan repayments falling on the state and the Metro Corporation.

The 19-km Yellow Line, stretching from RV Road to Bommasandra with 16 stations, was inaugurated by Modi, who also flagged off the Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express and laid the foundation for Metro Phase 3’s Orange Line. Modi said the combined Yellow and Orange Lines would benefit 25 lakh daily commuters and hailed corporate contributions for some stations under CSR.

While Modi praised Bengaluru Metro as a national model for infrastructure development, Siddaramaiah underlined that Karnataka had spent ₹25,387 crore on various metro phases, plus ₹3,987 crore in loan repayments, leaving the Union’s share at just ₹7,468.86 crore.

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar later said the state invited Modi “out of respect” despite feeling neglected by the Centre. The BJP and Congress have been trading barbs over metro delays, fare hikes, and funding claims in recent months.