Metro Coach Procurement Delay Continues..

The arrival of new metro train coaches is expected to be delayed further. The state government had earlier decided to place an order for 60 new coaches once the first phase of the metro project is taken over by the government. Officials had also initiated discussions with Bharat Earth Movers Limited in Bengaluru for procurement.

However, the takeover process has now hit a roadblock as the Centre has decided to reassess the project valuation. SBI Caps is expected to handle the valuation process, which may take at least two months. Officials say the entire process, including loan restructuring and approval, could continue until the end of this year. As a result, the order for new coaches is unlikely to be placed soon, and delivery itself may take another 15 months after ordering. This means passengers may have to wait nearly two years for additional coaches, even as metro congestion continues during peak hours.