Tejasvi Surya disputes Karnataka’s metro funding claims, says Centre bears 53% of project cost

BJP MP for Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya addressing a press conference on Thursday.

BJP MP for Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya on Thursday disputed the Karnataka government’s claims over the Centre’s financial contribution to Namma Metro projects, stating that the Union government accounts for 53.35% of the total approved project funding, against the State’s share of 46.65%.

The BJP MP’s remarks come a day after Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said on Wednesday that Karnataka was bearing 84% of the total cost of Bengaluru metro projects, while the Centre was contributing only 16%. Mr. Gowda had sought a greater financial contribution from the Union government and faster clearances for pending metro projects.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the elevated stretch of the Pink Line on November 13, Mr. Surya released a presentation titled ‘Fact Check on Congress Government’s Claims Regarding Namma Metro’, challenging the State government’s assessment of the funding arrangement.

Citing the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s (BMRCL) approved funding plan for Phases 1 to 3, Mr. Surya said that the total project cost of ₹77,890.68 crore was divided between the Centre and the State, with the Union government accounting for ₹41,558 crore and Karnataka contributing ₹36,333 crore.

He argued that the difference in the two governments’ reported contributions arose from the treatment of foreign loans worth ₹28,958 crore arranged by the Centre through international financial institutions.

According to Mr. Surya, these loans were included under the Centre’s contribution in BMRCL’s approved funding plan but were attributed to Karnataka in the State government’s presentation, resulting in the 84:16 funding ratio.

The MP also pointed out that BMRCL is a joint venture equally owned by the Centre and Karnataka, with each holding 50% equity. He said BMRCL is the borrower of the foreign loans, with the Centre acting as a guarantor.

On the delay in approving Metro Phase 3A, Mr. Surya attributed the prolonged process partly to changes in the State government’s project proposal and the need for a revised cost assessment. He claimed that the Centre’s review reduced the proposed project cost from ₹28,405 crore to ₹25,999 crore, resulting in estimated savings of ₹2,406 crore.

He also questioned the State government’s handling of land acquisition, project execution, and cost escalations, citing findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s 2026 report.

Mr. Surya called for better coordination between the Centre and State, adherence to project timelines, and scientific urban planning to ensure the financial viability and expansion of Namma Metro.