Despite the challenges, Metro officials remain confident in completing 175 km of the Metro network by June 2025.
The progress of Metro lines has been hindered by a shortage of skilled manpower, leading to delays. Both the public and the government have been pressuring for the completion of Metro projects as quickly as possible.
However, contractors are facing a unique challenge which is a lack of manpower.
The construction of Metro lines in 15 cities across the country is facing a scarcity of skilled workers. The majority of construction workers come from northern states.
Currently, Metro works are underway in New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Noida, Bhopal, Jaipur, Amritsar, and other cities. Many workers prefer to find jobs in Metro projects elsewhere and are hesitant to travel to Bengaluru.
A total of 300 carpenters, 400 bar benders, and 200 masons are needed for ongoing projects. The shortage of workers has resulted in slower progress on the KR Puram to the airport and RV road to Bommasandra lines, according to an official.
An official stated, “We are experiencing a shortage of masons, carpenters, and bar bending workers, which is affecting civil engineering works. We need more than 250 workers for the Silk Board-KR Puram project, but finding manpower is extremely challenging, ” reports Bangalore Mirror.
Delays in Metro works have been caused by various factors. In previous years, the projects were affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, and heavy rains last year also disrupted progress.
Another official mentioned that skilled workers primarily come from Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact as many workers returned to their villages. Although some have returned, others have chosen to stay in their villages, contributing to the shortage.
Despite the challenges, Metro officials remain confident in completing 175 km of the Metro network by June 2025.
By 2041, Bengaluru is expected to have a Metro network spanning 314 km.