Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Bengaluru commuters may have to wait until May 2027 to use the Namma Metro Pink Line underground section and the Blue Line along the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Trial runs on key stretches of both corridors are expected to begin in November 2026, according to reports.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is aiming to open both sections by May next year, provided the remaining work, testing and safety clearances are completed on time.
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Pink Line (underground) and Blue Line (ORR) are projected to open by May 2027, with trial runs beginning November 2026; BMRCL aims to complete pending work, signalling integration, and safety tests on time.
According to Moneycontrol, BMRCL Managing Director PC Jaffer said the corporation plans to run trains on the Pink Line’s underground section up to Shivajinagar by the end of October or in November.
The two corridors are expected to improve connectivity across Bengaluru, particularly for commuters travelling through the city’s busy technology hubs and central areas.
The 21-km Pink Line will connect Kalena Agrahara in south Bengaluru with Nagawara in the north. The line includes both elevated and underground sections.
“We want to take the train from Dairy Circle all the way to Shivajinagar by October-end or in November,” Jaffer was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.
The 7.5-km elevated section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere along Bannerghatta Road has completed its safety inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
Once this section opens, Bengaluru Metro’s operational network will increase from 96.1 km to 103.6 km.
However, work on the underground section is still underway. One of the key pending tasks is installing platform screen doors (PSDs) and connecting them with the signalling system. These systems must work together before trains can begin regular passenger services.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 6, inviting him to inaugurate the elevated section in October.
BEML has delivered 11 trainsets for the Pink Line so far, the report added.
Namma Metro Blue Line Update
The Blue Line is expected to make daily travel easier for thousands of employees who commute along Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road, one of the city’s busiest technology corridors.
BMRCL is aiming to begin trial runs between the Byappanahalli depot, KR Pura and Marathahalli by November 15, according to the report.
“We have completed all works except signalling. Our aim is to take the train for trial runs up to Marathahalli,” Jaffer was quoted as saying.
Track-laying is nearing completion, with around 2 km of work remaining. Construction at the stations is also progressing, and BMRCL plans to finish work at all stations except Central Silk Board by November.
BEML has delivered two trainsets for the Blue Line, which Jaffer said would be enough to begin trial runs.
The main challenge now is signalling integration. The signalling system needs to be connected with the trains and other operational equipment before the corridor can undergo comprehensive testing.
“Signalling integration will take a lot of time. The opening of the lines depends on how fast we will be able to do the testing,” Jaffer told Moneycontrol.
