The Namma Metro Blue Line, which will connect Silk Board to Bengaluru International Airport, is facing delays. The line is being built by three companies: Afcons, SNC, and NCC, under contracts with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Afcons is working on the section from Silk Board to Kodibeesanahalli and has completed the construction of all pillars. However, they have only finished 65% of the pillar caps and 40% of the U-girders. Although they were supposed to complete this section by June this year after starting in May 2021, they now expect to need an additional year.
SNC is handling the next section from Kodibeesanahalli to K.R. Pura. They have completed 90% of their pillars and 75% of both the pillar caps and U-girders since being awarded the tender in October 2020. The original plan gave them 27 months to finish, which is also behind schedule.
NCC is responsible for the longest stretch, covering 37 km in three phases: from Benniganahalli to Kempapur, Kempapur to Yelahanka Air Base, and Yelahanka Air Base to the International Airport. So far, they have completed 75% of the pillars and 50% of the pillar caps, with work on the U-girders ongoing. Their deadline is set for December 2024, but timely completion is uncertain.
The Blue Line consists of two main phases, with 13 stations from Silk Board to K.R. Pura and 17 stations from K.R. Pura to the Airport. Despite the stations being elevated, which usually speeds up construction, the overall progress raises concerns about meeting the completion timelines.
