The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE) has officially invited fresh tenders to complete the remaining works of the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP) Corridor 2, following the withdrawal of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) from the contract. The move aims to expedite the city’s long-awaited suburban rail network and ensure continuity after the recent setback.
Corridor 2: A Key East–West Connectivity Line
Corridor 2, known as the Mallige Line, spans from Benniganahalli in East Bengaluru to Chikkabanavara in the west. It forms a crucial part of the 148-kilometre suburban rail network designed to decongest road traffic and provide a reliable mode of public transport for daily commuters.
The corridor features a mix of elevated and at-grade sections with multiple stations planned along its route. Once operational, it will link major employment hubs, educational institutions, and residential zones, improving last-mile connectivity across Bengaluru.
Reason for L&T’s Exit
L&T, which was awarded the civil works contract for Corridor 2 and portions of Corridor 4, exited the project earlier this year. The contractor cited challenges related to land acquisition, work-front handover, and site readiness as reasons for withdrawal.
K-RIDE termed the exit as a setback but emphasized that necessary steps have been taken to ensure smooth re-tendering and continuity of construction works without significant delays.
K-RIDE’s New Tender Plan: Three Work Packages
To resume progress efficiently, K-RIDE has restructured the project into three independent packages for Corridor 2. The division covers:
Elevated Viaduct Construction – including key stretches between Benniganahalli and Yeshwanthpur.
At-Grade Works and Station Development – covering Banaswadi, Hebbal, and connecting sections.
Remaining Civil Infrastructure – including track, substructure, and utilities up to Chikkabanavara.
Fresh tenders are expected to be finalized by December 2025, allowing new contractors to mobilize early next year.
Project Timelines and Next Steps
K-RIDE has stated that it will prioritize faster approvals, land availability, and inter-agency coordination to prevent delays. Work on the corridor is expected to restart soon after the new contracts are awarded.
Despite the temporary halt, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the city’s growing mobility demands. Once completed, Corridor 2 will significantly improve public transportation efficiency, reduce road congestion, and connect key areas of the city’s eastern and western zones.
Impact on Bengaluru’s Urban Mobility
The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project is among the city’s largest infrastructure initiatives, jointly implemented by the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka. The network, once operational, is expected to integrate seamlessly with Namma Metro, BMTC, and Indian Railways, offering a multimodal transport experience.
Corridor 2, in particular, is expected to benefit thousands of commuters daily and serve as a backbone for suburban connectivity, reducing travel time across key corridors.
Also read, Namma Metro Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara to Be Operational by May 2026
