BENGALURU (Metro Rail News): BMRCL (Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited) much awaited metro link to Bannerghatta Road has faced another delay. The elevated section of the Pink Line is now expected to open in late August or early September. This pushes back the August 15 target set by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. The delay is due to the signalling system, which still needs to finish its final testing and certification before the required safety inspection can take place.
Project overview
| Details | Information |
| Project | Bengaluru Metro Pink Line (Elevated Section) |
| Route | Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere |
| Length | 7.5 km |
| Stations | 6 |
| Key Interchange | Jayadeva Hospital (Yellow Line) |
Reasons for the delay
According to the Deccan Herald report, the main reason for the delay is the pending validation of the signaling system. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is expected to issue the Interim Speed Certificate (ISC) in the next few days. Still, the Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) certificate for the signaling system will take a few more weeks, which will delay the next stage of approvals. Without these certifications, BMRCL cannot apply for the required safety inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
The weekly brief metro & rail professionals read.
Most construction work already complete
The elevated corridor runs from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere and includes six stations, such as Jayadeva Hospital, where passengers will be able to switch to the Yellow Line. Once operational, this section will expand Bengaluru Metro’s network to 103.6 km. Civil construction, track laying, and most station finishing work have already been completed. Six trains for the corridor have also been delivered.
Testing enters final stage
The trains have successfully finished oscillation trials and Emergency Braking Distance (EBD) tests conducted by the RDSO between April 28 and May 9. These tests establish the maximum safe operating speed and confirm the braking performance of the trains before commercial operations. The remaining work focuses on validating the signaling system. According to sources:
- Automatic Train Protection (ATP) testing is complete.
- Automatic Train Operation (ATO) validation is still ongoing.
- The signaling software is being upgraded before installation on the trains.
Further testing is scheduled for August 3 and August 5. The Independent Safety Assessment is expected on August 5 and 6.
CMRS inspection to follow
After receiving the ISA certificate, BMRCL will submit its application to the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety for the required inspection of the corridor. The inspection will examine the railway systems, rolling stock, and facilities at the Kothanur depot, including the washing plant, underframe water-jet cleaning system, train-lifting pit jacks, and other maintenance infrastructure. Officials anticipate the CMRS inspection will occur during the third week of August. BMRCL will also need to address any observations made during the inspection before opening the line to passengers.
While the elevated section is nearing completion, work is ongoing on the 13.75 km underground stretch between Dairy Circle and Nagawara. According to the current timeline, this section is expected to open in March 2027.
Also Read: TÜV SÜD & MEDHA collaborate with Indian Railways for Hydrogen Train