Bengaluru's Namma Metro Green Line Extension Nears Completion, Commercial Operations by October

Bengaluru: The eagerly awaited extension of the Green Line of Bengaluru's Namma Metro, connecting Nagasandra to Madavara (BIEC) on Tumakuru Road, is on track to begin commercial service by October. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited's (BMRCL) Managing Director recently confirmed that trial operations on the 3 km segment are set to commence soon.

This extension, part of the Phase II expansion of Namma Metro, introduces three new stations: Manjunathnagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara. "The line will become operational following safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), which is anticipated by September," stated the Managing Director.

An official from the BMRCL explained that currently, trains on the Green Line terminate at Nagasandra. Service frequency will be adjusted based on demand, and the extension is expected to attract an additional 25,000 to 30,000 passengers daily. "Regarding progress at Madavara, the official noted that construction is almost finished. Traction power supply has been completed at the other two stations and will be finalized at Madavara soon. Officials are preparing for trial runs in the coming weeks," he said.

The extension to Madavara will provide direct access to the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, a key venue for various expos. Travelers from Nelamangala and nearby areas will also benefit from the improved Metro connectivity.

Despite several previous deadlines, the project's completion was delayed due to construction setbacks, land acquisition issues with NICE authorities, and the pandemic, the report noted.

In addition to the Green Line extension, the BMRCL is preparing to launch the highly anticipated Yellow Line, which stretches 19.15 kilometers from RV Road to Bommasandra, by the end of this year. The Yellow Line will feature at least eight trains operating on a 15-minute interval.