Nearly Eight Years On, Project Still Unfinished
The 48km Byappanahalli-Hosur track doubling project, sanctioned in 2018-19, remains incomplete nearly eight years later. Despite progress on some stretches, the full corridor is yet to be commissioned.
Project Cost Rises by Rs 190 Crore
Initially approved at Rs 498.7 crore, the project has already cost Rs 688.8 crore as of April 30. The increase has come even as a significant portion of the work remains unfinished.
K-Ride Took Over, Progress Stayed Slow
The project was handed over to K-Ride in 2020. Since then, only 14km of the 48km corridor, around 30% of the total stretch, has been commissioned.
Revised Plans Expanded Project Scope
K-Ride said the original plans were modified to add more loop lines and improved station facilities. The agency maintained that building better infrastructure now would avoid costlier upgrades later.
Stations Ready, Key Works Still Pending
All four stations linked to the project, including Bellandur Road and Huskur, have been commissioned. However, major bridges, a rail overbridge and track-laying work are yet to be completed.
More Than 34km of Track Remains Incomplete
Around 9.7km between Byappanahalli and Bellandur Road and 24.5km between Heelalige and Hosur are still pending, delaying the project's completion.
Full Commissioning Likely by Early 2027
Officials said the Heelalige-Hosur section could be completed by the end of the year. The entire project, however, is now expected to be commissioned by early 2027.
K-Ride Cites Long-Term Benefits
Defending the higher expenditure, K-Ride said the investments were made with future needs in mind. "Whatever assets are getting created will last for hundreds of years", Lakshman Singh said.
