Bengaluru, Jun 19 (PTI) Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Friday reviewed the progress of ongoing metro projects and directed BMRCL officials to accelerate the pace of construction.
During his maiden meeting with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited officials, he received detailed updates on the status of various corridors, project timelines and future expansion plans.
According to the Greater Bengaluru development minister, the operational Namma Metro network currently stands at 96 km.
With the commissioning of the upcoming Pink Line and Blue Line sections, the network length is expected to increase to approximately 175 km, significantly strengthening Bengaluru’s public transport infrastructure.
Gowda directed BMRCL to commission the Kalena Agrahara–Tavarekere section of the elevated Pink Line, comprising six stations and covering 7.5 km, by August 15, 2026, subject to the completion of all statutory approvals and safety requirements.
The remaining 12 underground stations on the Pink Line are targeted for commissioning by March 2027, he said.
He has directed BMRCL to commence trial runs on the KR Pura–Marathahalli section of the Blue Line by October 2026.
The Hebbal–Kempegowda International Airport section of the Blue Line, spanning approximately 26 km, is expected to open for public service by June 2027.
The remaining KR Pura–Hebbal section of the Blue Line is likely to be commissioned by December 2027, it said.
With the commissioning of these corridors, the Namma Metro network is expected to expand to approximately 175 km by March 2028, substantially enhancing public transport connectivity and mobility options for Bengaluru, it added.
According to a statement from the minister’s office, during the review meeting, Gowda directed BMRCL officials to accelerate the pace of construction and assured continuous support and close monitoring from the Karnataka government for the timely completion of metro projects.
He reiterated that the Karnataka government stands firmly with BMRCL in ensuring the successful completion of Bengaluru Metro projects.
As a representative of the people, he said he was fully committed to ensuring that metro projects are executed expeditiously for the benefit of citizens.
The minister emphasised that timely completion, accountability, effective project management and minimising inconvenience to citizens would remain the key priorities in the implementation of Bengaluru Metro projects.
Stressing the need to minimise inconvenience to the public, Gowda directed BMRCL officials to occupy only the minimum land required for construction activities to reduce traffic disruptions.
He instructed officials to ensure proper housekeeping, cleanliness and scientific debris management at construction sites, considering Bengaluru’s existing waste management challenges.
Highlighting the impact of monsoon conditions, the Minister directed BMRCL to ensure effective drainage arrangements and address issues related to water stagnation and flooding around metro construction zones.
Besides this, the minister said approval from the Government of India is awaited for the Phase-3 Double-Decker Corridor Project.
He stated that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has already taken up the matter with the Union government.
Expressing confidence that the required approvals may be received within the next few weeks, the Minister said BMRCL would initiate the tendering process for Phase-3 works thereafter. PTI AMP SSK
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