CAG flags poor planning, higher-than-expected costs in Bengaluru Metro
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has criticized Bengaluru’s Namma Metro for its poor planning, lower-than-expected passenger numbers, and rising costs. The audit revealed that weak land assessment and delays contributed to expenses exceeding Rs 6,600 crore for Phases 1 and 2. The CAG report, which covers BMRCL from inception through March 2023, reviewed 117 contracts worth Rs 27,472.85 crore and 75 operation and maintenance contracts worth Rs 348.12 crore.
The audit found that actual peak-hour ridership on Phase 1 in 2021 fell short of projections, with figures ranging between 6,429 and 8,852 compared to the 15,000 threshold that would have justified a heavier Metro system over a cheaper Bus Rapid Transit alternative. Furthermore, the audit highlighted that BMRCL has been posting continuous cash losses since 2013-14 and relies on the Karnataka Government to repay its debt.
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