Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 7.5-km elevated section of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Pink Line on Friday. The opening will take the city’s operational metro network beyond 100 km for the first time.
The section connects Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere (Suddaguntepalya). It will open to commuters from 6 am on November 14.
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the inauguration would expand the operational network to approximately 103 km. Modi will travel on the newly opened stretch alongside Governor Sudha Yadav, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other officials.
Pink Line to improve connectivity along Bannerghatta Road
The elevated section will improve connectivity along Bannerghatta Road. It will also provide access to the Jayadeva interchange station.
Consequently, commuters will gain connections to Electronic City, Silk Board and HSR Layout. The route will also improve access to Jayanagar, Majestic and Whitefield.
Initially, five trains will operate on the Pink Line at eight-minute intervals. However, BMRCL will adjust service frequency based on ridership and signalling system stabilisation.
Bengaluru metro network targets 170 km in 18 months
Byre Gowda described the inauguration as the beginning of a wider metro expansion programme. Karnataka aims to expand Bengaluru’s operational metro network to 170 km over the next 18 months.
Furthermore, the state’s long-term target is a metro network spanning 400-500 km.
The remaining underground Pink Line section will connect Tavarekere with Nagawara. Authorities will open this stretch in phases after completing the pending work.
Once fully operational, the Pink Line will cover approximately 21.2 km.
Blue Line sections expected to add nearly 59 km
Karnataka is targeting the launch of major Blue Line sections next year. These include the 19.75-km Central Silk Board-KR Puram corridor.
The Hebbal-Kempegowda International Airport stretch is also part of the planned expansion. Together, the two sections are expected to add nearly 59 km of connectivity.
Meanwhile, the state government plans to accelerate the proposed 44.5-km Orange Line project. It comprises a 32-km JP Nagar Phase 4-Hebbal corridor.
The remaining 12.5-km section will connect Hosahalli and Kadabagere. Tenders for the project are expected within six months.
Karnataka seeks Centre’s approval for Red Line
The state is also awaiting Central government approval for the proposed 37.8-km Sarjapur-Hebbal Red Line. Karnataka submitted the proposal in January 2025.
The corridor will serve major traffic hotspots, including Sarjapur Road and the Outer Ring Road. Byre Gowda said the state would seek the Prime Minister’s intervention for early clearance.
Karnataka aims to begin construction by the end of next year, subject to approval. The proposed projects form part of the state’s wider plan to expand mass transit connectivity across Bengaluru.
