Bengaluru, 3 Dec

Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda pulled up BMRCL officials over the slow pace of construction for the Metro’s Blue Line. He scolded senior officials, including BMRCL Managing Director Ravishankar and Bengaluru North Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar for taking two years to build one pillar.

During the inspection at Manyata Tech Park Byregowda said that officials had barricaded large portions of the road but there hadn’t been any significant progress in construction.

“Why are you occupying the space,” he scolds officials. “When for two years you can’t finish one pillar?”

Among other directives, he ordered officials to clear debris from construction sites, directed the BRCL to expedite construction, flagged long-pending Metro work at Kodigehalli and told officials not to obstruct traffic and ordered a joint intensive cleaning drive from Hebbal to Bagaluru Cross.

The Blue Line Metro is set to open in December 2027 after long delays. Phase 2A runs from Central Silk Board to KR Pura, and Phase 2B, which extends from KR Pura to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).