BMRCL has set a target to begin metro rail services between Nagasandra and Madavara on the Green Line by the end of this month. In preparation for this, the corporation has written to the Urban Development Department to confirm the date of the launch. Sources said that all construction work is complete, and all tests have been successfully conducted.
The Railway Safety Commissioner inspected the line on August 3 and approved commercial operations on August 4. BMRCL is now awaiting a confirmed date for the inauguration.
The extended section of the Green Line includes a 3.7-kilometre route, featuring stations at Manjunath Nagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara. Once services commence on this route, it is anticipated that the number of metro passengers will increase by approximately 6,500 daily, totaling around 200,000 per month.
BMRCL officials indicated that not only residents around Anjanapura and Jindal Nagar, but also commuters from Nelamangala will likely arrive by bus or private vehicles to Madavara and then continue their journey via metro.
BMRCL has communicated with the Urban Development Department regarding the launch date, and the discussions with the central government are ongoing to finalise it.
Since existing trains will operate on the extended route, passengers will not have to wait for new trains. Officials expressed confidence that services will commence as soon as state government approval is received, with metro rail operations expected to begin on the extended route by the end of October.
Bengaluru is preparing to launch traffic on the Yellow Line by January next year, which spans 18.8 kilometres and includes 16 stations. However, parking at three interchange stations along this route is likely to become a significant challenge.
The BMRCL is developing interchange stations to accommodate the Yellow Line, which connects RV Road to Bommasandra. Key interchange stations include RV Road on the Green Line, the Jayadeva station on the Pink Line (connecting Kalena Agrahara to Nagavara), and the Silk Institute station on the Blue Line (linking Silk Institute to KR Puram and the International Airport).
According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR), it is estimated that around 400,000 people will travel daily on this interchange route. By 2021, about 100,000 passengers are expected to arrive and depart from the RV Road interchange station alone, making it the first interchange station available for public use on the Green Line.
However, there is currently insufficient parking space at this station, and the situation is likely to worsen as traffic increases. At the Jayadeva station, around 82,000 passengers and approximately 23,500 at the Silk Board station are projected to use these facilities.
During peak hours on the Yellow Line, an estimated 18,000 passengers may travel each hour. Additionally, the Pink Line is expected to commence operations by the end of next year, while the Blue Line is anticipated to begin by the end of 2026. With the introduction of these two lines, the number of metro passengers is expected to rise significantly.
The DPR survey reveals that 26% of passengers will rely on two-wheelers, 12% on cars, 13% on auto-rickshaws, and 49% on public transport along the Yellow Line. Due to traffic congestion and the need to reach offices or homes on time, more people are likely to opt for metro travel. This route will serve many IT companies, resulting in a higher frequency of cab services, as well as increased usage of two-wheelers and cars.
Currently, some companies have adopted work-from-home or hybrid work models, which has slightly alleviated traffic issues. With the commencement of metro services, employees may be required to return to their offices, exacerbating parking problems.
Bengaluru South Member of Parliament, Tejasvi Surya has written to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, urging the immediate opening of Nagasandra-Madavara Green Line metro extension (BIEC Metro).
“The 3.14 kilometre stretch, which includes three stations at Manjunath Nagar, Chikkabidarakallu and Madavara, will increase Bengaluru Metro network to 77 km and also alleviate congestion on the busy Tumakuru Road Highway. Considering the above, I request you to accord your approval for the opening of the line at the earliest for the benefit of the public,” the letter read.
