Bengaluru Metro Pink Line Got Delayed Due to Pending Work, About to Open by 15 August

The 7.5-km elevated section of the Namma Metro Pink Line between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere is likely to open by August 15, according to sources. However, the launch is expected before the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections.

Delay in Metro Trial Conductions

Sources said that trials conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) were completed on May 9. The organisation is expected to submit its report within three weeks. After receiving the report, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will seek approval from the Railway Board through the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety.

Bengaluru Metro Pink Line Services Delayed

Officials have reportedly informed staff internally that the metro line should become operational by August 15. The RDSO trials included testing of braking systems, traction, train oscillation at different speeds, and integration with signalling, power, and telecom systems. Although metro services were earlier expected to begin in June, pending station work, depot work, and staff deployment have further delayed the project. BMRCL has not yet officially announced the revised deadline. The project has already missed earlier targets set for September 2025, March 2026, and May 2026.
According to BMRCL records, project costs have increased sharply over the years. Phase 1 costs rose from Rs 6,395 crore in 2005 to Rs 14,133 crore, while Phase 2 costs increased from Rs 26,405 crore in 2014 to Rs 40,614 crore in 2024.

Delivery of Driverless Trains

Sources also said that BEML Limited has delivered five driverless-capable train sets for the elevated Pink Line section. The remaining 13.7-km underground stretch between Dairy Circle and Nagawara is expected to be completed by December 2026, though delays extending into 2027 are still possible. All 16 trains for the Pink Line are expected to be delivered before the full Kalena Agrahara-Nagawara route opens. Another seven trains will later be added for the ORR Metro route between Central Silk Board and KR Pura.

Pink Line Operations

Like the Yellow and Blue metro lines, the Pink Line will use a modern communications-based train control (CBTC) system. Though the trains are designed for fully driverless GoA-4 operations, BMRCL officials stated that drivers will continue operating them initially until the system becomes stable and passengers grow comfortable with the technology.