Ready for Inauguration
Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has said that the 7.5-km Kalena Agrahara–Tavarekere stretch of Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line is ready for inauguration, with the state government hopeful of receiving an inauguration date from the Centre within September. The opening is subject to necessary safety and rolling stock clearances.
"We are fully ready and hopeful of getting an inauguration date within September," Byre Gowda said after inspecting the stretch on September 2. He added, "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."
The minister, who holds the Greater Bengaluru development portfolio, reviewed readiness during a trial run from Jayadeva Station to Kalena Agrahara. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, MLA M Krishnappa, Metro MD PC Jafar and senior officials accompanied him.
Pending Approvals
The stretch awaits railway sanction for new rolling stock and authorisation from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) to open the line for passenger services, according to sources. A senior BMRCL official said, "BMRCL is ready from our side. All works are completed, with only the inspection pending. It can be opened only after the final inspection."
Janak Kumar Garg, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), who also holds additional charge as CMRS (Southern Circle), inspected the Pink Line trainsets on August 13. The inspection at Kothanur depot covered maintenance facilities and safety checks on braking, speed, doors, emergency evacuation and suspension systems. An official said the report is expected this week, after which final CMRS approval would be needed before commercial operations can begin.
Political Push for Timeline
Tejasvi Surya said the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had been working towards inaugurating the stretch by the end of the month. He said he and Gowda had asked officials to maintain the targeted timeline and expedite the remaining approvals.
In a post on X, Surya said, "This morning, I spoke to Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety officials on the safety clearances and timelines. Rolling stock approval is expected within the next 15 days, followed by clearance for the entire line." He added that he would work with officials and the Central Government to secure approvals at the earliest.
Surya also said the Pink Line would significantly ease congestion on Bannerghatta Road and strengthen Bengaluru's mass transit network. "Bengaluru needs more public transport projects like this, scientific, sustainable and designed to ease traffic, instead of stupid ideas like the Tunnel Road. Citizens and the Opposition will support such projects in the city's interest," he said.
Project Background and Delays
The Pink Line is a 21.3-km corridor connecting Kalena Agrahara in the south to Nagawara in the north. Of the total length, 13.8 km runs underground, linking key central areas such as Dairy Circle, 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. Earlier, Byre Gowda had said the elevation section from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere was expected to be operational by August 15, 2026, and the underground stretch from Tavarekere to Nagawara was slated for completion by March 2027. Reports also mention earlier deadlines including September 2025, March 2026, May 2026 and August 2026 that were missed.
BEML has delivered five trainsets for the elevated section, described as "driverless-capable." Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly improve north–south metro connectivity and provide an alternative public transport option for commuters along Bannerghatta Road and surrounding areas.