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As inspection works are important before passenger services, the much-awaited Namma Metro Pink Line in Bengaluru is likely to face another delay, with the final safety inspection now expected in September.
Namma Metro's Pink Line Delay
The 7.5-km elevated stretch from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere has six stations, including the important interchange station at Jayadeva Hospital, which connects with the Yellow Line. The section was earlier expected to open around August 15, but pending safety and signalling approvals have pushed the timeline further.
The trains for the Pink Line have already undergone important tests. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) conducted oscillation trials and emergency braking tests to check whether the trains could safely operate at their planned speed. The trains were cleared to run at a design speed of 90 kmph without any speed restrictions.
However, the line still needs several mandatory approvals before it can open to the public. The signalling and train-control systems must receive an Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) certificate. This certification confirms that the signalling system and its various components meet safety requirements.
After these approvals are completed, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will conduct the statutory safety inspection of the corridor. The inspection is expected to take place in September, following which further approval will be required before commercial operations can start.
Most of the construction work on the elevated section has already been completed, including civil works, track laying and station development. Moreover, six Pink Line trainsets have also been delivered.
Once operational, the corridor will provide better metro connectivity to areas along Bannerghatta Road, Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIMB, JP Nagar and Tavarekere. The Pink Line is expected to improve public transport options and reduce dependence on road travel in southern Bengaluru.
The underground portion of the Pink Line, connecting Dairy Circle to Nagawara, is being developed separately and is expected to open at a later stage.