Back in 2018, then CM Siddaramaiah pledged that Namma Metro’s Phase 2 would be finished by 2020. Experts dismissed this as overly optimistic—and rightly so. Nearly seven years later, over half the 75.09-km project remains unfinished. The remaining 40.41 km may not be operational until December 2026, leaving just under two years of Siddaramaiah’s current term.

Since its 2011 launch with a modest 6.7-km stretch, Namma Metro has added only 70.25 km—averaging just 5.2 km per year. Although the Union government sanctioned Phase 2 in 2014, groundwork began only in 2016. It includes four extensions and two new corridors: the Pink and Yellow Lines.

The Pink Line, initially due in 2020, has missed yet another deadline. BMRCL has shifted its opening from March 2025 to December 2026. Similarly, the Blue Line, which began construction in 2021, is facing setbacks. While a portion (Phase 2A) may be ready by late 2025, Phase 2B is now projected for early 2027.

Progress is slow due to bureaucratic approvals, delayed land handovers, and contractors’ funding troubles. Even completed lines like the Yellow Line aren’t running—due to a shortage of trains caused by delays in coach supply from Chinese firm CRRC and its Indian collaborator Titagarh.

Trains for the Pink and Blue lines, ordered from BEML, are also running late. With the Purple and Green Lines still undergoing trial runs, Bengaluru’s Metro expansion appears stuck in a loop of approvals, redesigns, and delivery delays.