BANGALORE (Metro Rail News): The newly appointed Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Jaffer PC, has made the launch of the long-delayed Pink Line and quicker completion of the Blue Line to Kempegowda International Airport his top priorities. He stated that the Metro operator is collaborating with various authorities to secure the remaining approvals for the elevated section of the Pink Line.
The Pink Line has missed several launch dates, including the most recent goal of August 15. Jaffer mentioned that BMRCL hopes to complete the approval process in stages before opening the corridor for passenger services.
Bangalore Metro Pink Line awaits final safety approvals
The first phase of the Pink Line features a 7 km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere on Bannerghatta Road with six stations. According to Jaffer, BMRCL anticipates receiving approval from the Railway Board for the signaling system within the next few days. Following that, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will issue the Interim Speed Certificate (ISC).
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He noted that BMRCL has already asked the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) to inspect the rolling stock, and the commissioner has agreed. The inspection is expected to happen between August 12 and 14. Once these steps are completed, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will conduct a detailed inspection covering:
- Trial runs
- Signaling and telecom systems
- Integration of safety systems
- Stations and track
- Power supply
- Passenger facilities
- Overall operational readiness
The Pink Line will open for public services only after the CMRS gives final safety clearance. Sources indicated that BMRCL expects to receive all required approvals by the end of September.
The full 21 km Pink Line connects Kalena Agrahara with Nagawara under Phase II of the Bangalore Metro project. After the elevated section opens, BMRCL plans to start the remaining underground stretch from Dairy Circle to Nagawara by March 2027. The corporation has already received eight Metro trainsets for the Pink Line and plans to use three to four trains initially on the elevated section.
Blue Line to Airport also gets priority
Jaffer stated that BMRCL is also working to speed up progress on the 58 km Blue Line, which will connect Silk Board with Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Trial runs on the Outer Ring Road section between KR Pura and HSR Layout are expected to begin in October. BMRCL had previously aimed to open the KR Pura-Central Silk Board section in 2026.
More trains planned for Green Line
The new Managing Director mentioned that the CMRS is currently inspecting newly delivered trainsets and checking their integration with the signaling system before they go into service. Officials are already in Bangalore to carry out technical inspections and verify various operational parameters. Sources added that four more trainsets are in production at Titagarh Rail Systems and will be delivered in phases.
Green Line frequency reduced for inspection
BMRCL will temporarily reduce Green Line services on Friday night to support the inspection of new trainsets. Trains between Yeshwantpur and Madavara will run every 20 minutes instead of every 10 minutes from 10:30 pm until the end of service. Services between Madavara and Silk Institute will continue according to the regular schedule.
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