Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The opening of the first stretch of Bengaluru's Namma Metro Pink Line may be delayed beyond September as some important approvals are still pending.
Bengaluru Metro Pink Line to be Delayed
The 7.5-km elevated section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere is ready for passenger operations. The section has six stations and connects areas including Hulimavu, IIM Bangalore, JP Nagar 4th Phase and Jayadeva Hospital. The Jayadeva Hospital station will also provide an interchange with the Yellow Line.
However, the final approvals required before the line can open are yet to be completed. The Railway Board's approval for the new rolling stock and other statutory clearances are part of the remaining process. The Pink Line uses communication-based train control (CBTC) technology and requires detailed safety and signalling checks before passenger services can begin.
After the required Railway Board clearances, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will need to complete inspections and give the necessary authorisation for opening the line. The process also involves checking the trains, signalling, telecommunications and other safety systems.
Earlier, officials had hoped to open the Kalena Agrahara-Tavarekere stretch in September. Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had said the section was ready for inauguration and that the State was hopeful of receiving an inauguration date from the Government of India within September.
The Pink Line is part of the 21.25-km corridor connecting Kalena Agrahara with Nagawara. It will include 13.76 km of underground track and 7.5 km of elevated track, with 18 stations in total. The remaining underground section is expected to be completed later.
The delay in obtaining the remaining approvals means the September opening target for the first stretch could be missed.