Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda launched a sharp critique against the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for significant delays plaguing the construction of the crucial airport metro line. During a site inspection, the minister expressed deep frustration over the slow pace of work, particularly focusing on the time taken to build individual pillars.
A Scathing Critique on Site
Minister Gowda did not mince words while addressing senior BMRCL officials who were present during the inspection. His pointed questions highlighted the core of the issue: an apparent lack of urgency and efficiency. "Is building a metro pillar rocket science?" he asked, challenging the engineers and project managers. He followed up with another direct query, "Do you need two to three years to finish just one pillar?"
The minister's remarks underscore a growing public and governmental impatience with infrastructure projects that face continual setbacks, causing daily inconvenience to Bengaluru's citizens. His inspection took place on December 3, 2025, bringing the matter into sharp public focus.
Call to Action: Free the Roads
Beyond just criticizing the delay, Minister Gowda issued a clear, practical directive to the metro authorities. Recognizing the immediate impact on the city's notorious traffic, he stated, "If you can't complete the work, at least free the road for traffic." This instruction emphasizes the need to minimize public disruption when project timelines are not met.
The airport metro line is a vital infrastructure project for Bengaluru, intended to provide a seamless connection between the city center and the Kempegowda International Airport. Delays in its completion not only extend travel woes for commuters but also reflect poorly on the city's ability to execute large-scale projects efficiently.
Implications and Public Reaction
The minister's public reprimand places the BMRCL under intense scrutiny. It signals that the state government is losing patience and demands greater accountability and faster results. For Bengaluru's residents, who have endured years of traffic chaos due to metro construction across the city, this intervention is a welcome demand for action.
The ball is now in BMRCL's court to respond to these criticisms with a clear plan to expedite work. The corporation must address the specific concerns raised about pillar construction timelines and demonstrate a renewed commitment to completing the airport line without further unnecessary delays. The city waits and watches.
