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Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to start trial runs of the Namma Metro Blue Line in October. He also said that commercial services on the line are expected to begin in 2027.
Bengaluru Blue Metro Line Operations to Begin in 2027
The minister announced this during a meeting with stakeholders regarding the redevelopment of a 17-km stretch of the Outer Ring Road (ORR). The Blue Line project, which connects KR Puram, Central Silk Board, Hennur, Hebbal and Kempegowda International Airport in different phases, covers a total distance of 58.19 km. The project was originally expected to be completed in 2024 but has been delayed.
Planning of Urban Development
Gowda said the Karnataka government is committed to improving the ORR and has allocated ₹450 crore for the redevelopment project. Although consultants have already prepared a design, the government is still inviting public suggestions. He said useful ideas from citizens would be included in the final plan wherever possible.
The minister said the Metro is the best long-term solution to reduce heavy traffic on the ORR. He explained that the road has high traffic volume, complicated junctions and difficult traffic movement, making it necessary to improve public transport.
He also pointed out that unplanned urban development over the past 30 years has worsened traffic problems. Illegal layouts, multi-storey buildings on narrow roads and poor planning for public spaces have created major challenges. According to him, the area now needs a fresh approach to redevelopment.
Gowda said building expensive structures like grade separators is not always practical because land acquisition is difficult. He also highlighted the lack of continuous footpaths, forcing even short-distance travellers to use vehicles instead of walking. He said he has personally inspected the ORR at night with officials over the past two weeks to understand the issues and find practical solutions.
The proposed redevelopment plan includes 10-foot-wide granite footpaths, improved skywalks, pedestrian bridges connected to cycle tracks and bus bays, upgraded junctions, white-topped roads with a lifespan of about 25 years, better stormwater drains, coordinated utility works, public toilets, parking facilities, bus stands and other civic amenities. Under an annuity payment model, contractors will also be responsible for maintaining the roads for the next 10 to 12 years.