Bengaluru: The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has directed the government to re-examine the cost estimates of the proposed Namma Metro Red Line between Hebbal and Sarjapur, even though the project received cabinet approval in December 2024. As per the Detailed Project Report, the 36.59-kilometre corridor with 28 stations was estimated to cost Rs 28,405 crore, translating to about Rs776.3 crore per kilometre. Officials from BMRCL confirmed that independent external consultants have been engaged for this re-evaluation, which is now in progress. Around 161.65 acres have been identified for the project, including 55.69 acres near Sarjapur Circle for the proposed depot. The re-evaluation process is now seen as a crucial step before the Red Line project moves forward, given the escalating costs and the Centre’s insistence on independent verification.