D.K. Shivakumar seeks fairer Centre-state cost sharing for Bengaluru Metro, faster clearances
Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar sought the Centre’s support in sharing operational cash losses and foreign exchange risks arising from external loans taken for Metro projects
Amid political tensions between Karnataka’s Congress government and the BJP, Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek fairer financial sharing for the Bengaluru Metro. During the inauguration of the Pink Line at IIMB, Shivakumar urged Modi to share operational losses and accelerate approvals for Metro expansions.
He noted that Karnataka was covering over 80% of Metro costs despite a proposed 50:50 partnership, with Karnataka bearing land acquisition, taxes, and loan repayments. Shivakumar highlighted that Namma Metro's 17 km network in 2014 had grown to 100 km, with the city aiming for 500 km. He proposed constructing double-decker infrastructure when feasible and creating a dedicated technical institution for Metro projects nationwide.
Additionally, Shivakumar sought support for Karnataka’s agricultural distress, requesting ₹22,400.58 crore under the NDRF after 58 lakh hectares of crops were damaged. He also raised concerns over the sugarcane pricing dispute and the Kasturirangan Committee’s report on Western Ghats ecologically sensitive areas, calling for reconsideration in consultation with Karnataka’s government.
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