K-RIDE to float fresh civil tender after terminating L&T from Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE) announced on Monday that it will soon invite fresh tenders for the remaining civil works of Corridor-2 (Mallige Line) of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project, following the termination of its earlier contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

The decision comes after legal consultation with the advocate-general and recommendations from the tender evaluation committee, citing non-compliance with tender conditions, including failure to submit performance security and bank guarantees.

To expedite stalled progress, K-RIDE will now split the remaining work into three separate packages, with details expected to be released shortly.

“This fresh tendering approach is aimed at unlocking the long-delayed potential of Corridor-2, which plays a vital role in connecting East and West Bengaluru and integrating with the city's metro and rail networks,” said a senior K-RIDE official.

Why the L&T Contract Was Terminated?

The original contract for civil works on Corridor-2 (Benniganahalli to Chikkabanavara) was awarded to L&T in August 2022. However, the project ran into trouble when L&T failed to meet contractual requirements and ceased work in March 2025, citing losses due to delayed land acquisition. The company also issued a legal notice, blaming idle resources for the financial impact.

After nearly two years of stalled construction, K-RIDE formally terminated the agreement in August 2025 and began exploring ways to revive the corridor’s progress.

Corridor-2: A Critical Urban Connector

Known as the Mallige Line, Corridor-2 runs from Benniganahalli to Chikkabanavara, cutting across Bengaluru’s heavily congested East–West axis. Once completed, the line is expected to:

• Relieve road traffic in key commercial and residential zones

• Provide multimodal integration with Namma Metro and other railway stations

• Enhance commuter convenience for daily travelers and IT professionals

• Boost last-mile connectivity with metro and bus interchanges

Corridor-2 is especially important as it is one of the few suburban lines intersecting multiple transport networks, offering critical linkages across the city.

Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project: Overview

The ₹15,767 crore Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Karnataka State Government, spanning 148 km across four corridors. It aims to decongest Bengaluru’s roads by providing a reliable and high-capacity rail-based transport system for the city’s growing urban population.

So far, only Corridor-2 has seen significant on-ground progress, with about 25 km of work initiated, while other corridors are still in early stages of land acquisition or approvals.

“Corridor-2 was seen as the project’s flag-bearer, and its delay has been a setback. The re-tendering will restore momentum and reassure citizens about the project’s commitment,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group. “It’s critical to ensure timely delivery now to match Bengaluru’s urgent mobility needs.”

With K-RIDE set to re-tender the remaining civil works on Corridor-2, the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project may finally regain traction after months of delay and legal challenges. As the city struggles with worsening traffic and inadequate public transport, Corridor-2’s revival is key to building a modern, interconnected, and sustainable urban mobility network in Bengaluru.