Metro Train project is a huge one in Bengaluru city. It is in fact a difficult work because the tracks are built in the already developed city. The inauguration was done by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the construction officially began on 24th June 2006. Today, most of the work in the Phase I has been completed and some lines are already functioning. Have a look at are some interesting things to know about Namma Metro.
Recently the underground corridor of Bengaluru Metro started operating by making it the first underground metro in South India. People are surely excited as the metro will help in curbing city's traffic and air pollution.
Namma Metro
'Namma' in Kannada means 'our', it is 'Our Metro' that is the hot topic in Bengaluru from some years now. Namma Metro is also called Bangalore Metro!
Photo Courtesy: Arjun Shekar
A Joint Venture
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) is the agency under which metro construction is happening. It is a joint venture of the Government of India and the Karnataka Government.
Photo Courtesy: Ramnath Bhat
South India's First Underground Metro
The first part of underground trail of Purple Line began its operations on April 30th, 2016. It is said to be the first underground metro line in South India.
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar
Purple Line and Green Line
Two major connecting lines are named as the Purple Line and the Green Line. The route from East to West Bengaluru is named as the Purple Line. The corridor from North to South is called as the Green Line.
Photo Courtesy: Pbhattiprolu
Phase by Phase
Namma Metro is built in terms of phases. Totally there are 3 major phases that connect the network. Now only a portion of Phase I is functional. Phases are further divided into four reaches with 2 underground sections.
Photo Courtesy: Ramnath Bhat
The Completed Purple Line
The first stretch of 6.7km Purple Line opened on October 20, 2011. The first route was from Baiyyappanahalli to M G Road. Later, the Mysore Road to Magadi Road route began in 2015. Finally, the first underground corridor from Cubbon Park to Bangalore City Railway Station started in2016. Thereby completing the 18.22km stretch of the Purple Line.
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumars
A Part of the Green Line
The Green Line of Phase I is divided as Reach 3, 3A , 3B, 4 and 4A. The trail from Mantri Square Sampige Road to Nagasandra is functioning now. The Southern Part of the route after Majestic will be completed by December 2016 as per the project deadlines.
Photo Courtesy: Arjuna Rao Chavala
Underground Corridors
Bengaluru Metro comprises of 2 underground stretches. Out of which the 4.8km East to West Corridor began recently. The 4km Underground 2 (UG2) in the Green Line from Majestic to K. R. Market is under construction and it is likely to be operational by the end of 2016.
Photo Courtesy: Rameshng
Phase II
Some routes in Phase II will be an extention of the already built trails. The Phase II of Bengaluru Metro totally consists of 72km project with 12 underground tunnels. The construction of Phase II has begun.
Photo Courtesy: Sahilrathod
Long Wait For Phase III
Phase III is still a long way to reach as of now. The plan of Phase III is to connect Bengaluru International Airport to the Bengaluru City.
Photo Courtesy: Arup Malakar
Preference to Standard Gauge
Standard Gauge trains are used in Bengaluru Metro. Standard Gauge trains provide more space for standing inside the train and has less seats.
Photo Courtesy: MikeLynch
Free Wifi
One doesn't have to bother about mobile networks or internet during the journey in Namma Metro. The BMRCL has implemented Wifi connectivity and mobile connectivity in all the trains including the underground tunnels.
Photo Courtesy: Arjuna Rao Chavala
A Water Harvesting Initiative
Rain water harvesting system is implemented along the Metro Line. The harvested water is going to be reused to charge ground water and some quantity of water is given for treatment plants. It is a good initiative applied by Namma Metro.
Photo Courtesy: Arjuna Rao Chavala
Tickets for Namma Metro
The Automated Fare Collection System is used in Namma Metro stations. It only takes contactless smart tokens and contactless smart card. Tokens are only used for single journeys where as smart cards are for multiple journeys.
Photo Courtesy: MikeLynch
Speedy Metro
The maximum speed of Namma Metro is around 80km/h. However, 65km/h is the fixed speed with which the train runs.
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar
Facilities For Disabled
The yellow tiles help the visually challenged people. Ramps and lifts are built for the convenience of the aged people and the disabled.
Photo Courtesy: Rameshng
These facts about Namma Metro will make you want to take a ride immediately. The first stretch from Byappanahalli to M.G.Road made a good profit in one year and there were around 80 lakh commuters travelled in this line. Metro trains are nothing less than a milestone in the history of Indian Railways.
Whatever it is, Bengaluru Metro is one of the exciting part happening in Karnataka.