After missing deadline, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Pink Line’s 7.5-km stretch ready, inauguration expected in September

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Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, along with Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and BMRCL officials, during a trial run of the Namma Metro Pink Line.

After missing several deadlines, the 7.5-km Kalena Agrahara–Tavarekere stretch of Pink Line is ready for inauguration, with Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda expressing hope that the Centre will approve an inauguration date within September.

Speaking about the new addition to the city’s metro network, Mr. Gowda said the stretch is ready to be opened for public use and will be inaugurated once the Government of India provides a date. “We are ready. As soon as the date is given by the Government of India, this stretch will be inaugurated and opened to people for commuting,” he said on Wednesday.

Mr. Gowda had earlier stated that the inauguration would happen in August 2026. This was announced after his first high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), after he took over charge of the portfolio.

The Minister had noted that the elevated section of the Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere was expected to become operational by August 15, 2026, and that the underground stretch from Tavarekere to Nagawara was slated for completion by March 2027.

The 7.5-km Kalena Agrahara–Tavarekere stretch of Bengaluru's Pink Line is ready for inauguration and will soon be open to the public. We are hopeful of receiving a date from the Government of India in September.Along with MP Tejaswi Surya, MLA M. Krishnappa, Metro MD P.C. Jafar… pic.twitter.com/9BwxeZK0Ks

The Pink Line, a 21.3-km corridor connecting Kalena Agrahara in the south to Nagawara in the north, is a crucial component of the metro expansion. Of the total length, 13.8 km runs underground, linking key central areas such as Dairy Circle, M.G. Road, Shivajinagar and Tannery Road, while 7.5 km is elevated.

The project has faced repeated delays, missing several deadlines and drawing criticism from commuters. Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly improve north-south metro connectivity.

“A sufficient number of trains are presently available for commissioning the elevated stretch. The trains are currently undergoing the prescribed trials and testing and are required to complete the mandatory 750-km running before deployment for passenger services. Train operators are identified and their mandatory training is expected to be completed this week,” Mr. Gowda said.

BMRCL is expecting approval from the Railway Board for the new rolling stock shortly. This will be followed by inspection and authorisation by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety for opening the elevated section of the Pink Line for public service.

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