Metro Work Delays Trigger Sharp Rebuke from DK Shivakumar; NCC Warned: “Time Is Money, Time Is Value”

“No one is satisfied with your pace of work,” DK Shivakumar tells NCC

During the on-site review, Urban Development ACS Tushar Giri Nath informed the Deputy Chief Minister that despite repeated meetings, some contractors do not even attend review sessions and continue to delay work.

This triggered a sharp reaction from Shivakumar, who confronted NCC officials:

“Your work pace is unacceptable. Everyone is unhappy. Speed up immediately. If you delay further, we will block you from taking up future projects.”

Heated exchange between NCC, ACS Tushar Giri Nath, and DKS

During the inspection, a brief argument broke out between NCC’s Prem Reddy and senior officials regarding the repeated delays. Officers told the DCM that NCC’s slow progress is causing major hurdles across the project.

Shivakumar intervened firmly:

“If the company cannot deliver on time — whether it is NCC or anyone else — they will not be given further work. Bengaluru’s traffic situation is already suffering due to slow metro construction.”

Why this warning matters

The Metro line from Jakkur to Kempegowda International Airport is a crucial corridor expected to ease Bengaluru’s crippling traffic. The Minister noted that deadlines have been repeatedly missed:

• Hebbal–Airport stretch deadlines pushed
• December 2027 and June 2027 targets mentioned by contractors
• Multiple on-ground issues unresolved

Shivakumar said he visited the spot specifically because several stretches still have “local-level problems that should have been solved long ago.”

Blunt message to all contractors

Before leaving the inspection site, he gave a clear directive:

“If contractors cannot fall in line and meet deadlines, they will not get future metro works in Karnataka.”