The construction of the Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway will cost taxpayers Sh2.02 billion more.
The 120km route had been estimated to cost approximately Sh150 billion.
Kenya Railways MD Atanas Maina said the cost went up after the original route was modified as demanded by conservationists.
"The modification of the route along the savannah of the Nairobi National Park will be more costly since it will require several enhancements to make it 400 metres shorter than the initial preferred route that would have cut through the park for 6.4 kilometres," he said.
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The government approved the designs for the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR in March and later signed commercial contracts with China Communications Construction Company.
The construction was expected to start this month.
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But a standoff with conservationists over the environmental impact of the railway forced KRC to come up with a new route that would reduce conflict with the ecosystem and wildlife.
Maina said the SGR will cross park on a single bridge spanning for six kilometres, which is the total width of the Nairobi National Park.
He said the bridge will ensure the park remains undivided.
“Average height of the bridge above the ground will be 18 metres starting from eight metres at the entrance into the Northern side of the park and 41 metres at the Southern end of the park,” he said.
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