Namma Metro, officially known as Bengaluru Metro, stands as India's second-longest operational metro network, with a length of 76.95 kilometres, surpassed only by the Delhi Metro. Inaugurated in 2011, it became the first underground metro system in South India. The network comprises a combination of elevated, at-grade, and underground stations, totaling 68 operational stations as of November 2024. The inception of Namma Metro can be traced back to 1977 when the State Town Planning Department recommended a mass rapid transit system for Bengaluru. However, it wasn't until April 15, 2007, that civil construction began. The first segment, a 6.7 km stretch from Baiyappanahalli to MG Road, commenced operations on October 20, 2011.

Namma Metro, Bengaluru's rapid transit system, has significantly transformed the city's transportation landscape since its inception. The system's development has been structured into multiple phases, each contributing to the network's expansion and operational efficiency.

Phase 1 laid the groundwork for Namma Metro, introducing two primary lines: the Purple Line and the Green Line. The Purple Line, spanning 39.4 kilometres, connects Whitefield (Kadugodi) in the east to Challaghatta in the southwest, traversing key areas such as MG Road, Cubbon Park, and Majestic Station. The Green Line covers 30.5 kilometres, linking Nagasandra in the northwest to the Silk Institute in the south, with notable stations including Yeshwanthpur and Jayanagar. The completion of Phase 1 in 2017, at an estimated cost of INR 14,405 crore, marked a significant milestone in Bengaluru's public transportation history.

Approved in 2014, Phase 2 aims to extend the existing lines and introduce new corridors, adding approximately 72 kilometres to the network. The projected cost for this phase is around INR 26,405 crore. Key extensions include the Purple Line's reach to Whitefield and the Green Line's extension to Anjanapura. Additionally, new lines such as the Yellow Line, connecting Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road to Bommasandra, and the Pink Line, stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, are under development. These expansions are designed to enhance connectivity to IT hubs and densely populated residential areas, addressing the city's growing transit demands.

Phase 3, currently in the planning stage, envisions adding 44.65 kilometres to the metro network through two elevated corridors: one from JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura along the Outer Ring Road West, and another from Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi Road. The estimated cost for this phase is INR 15,611 crore, with completion targeted by 2029. This expansion aims to provide metro access to previously unserved areas, promoting balanced urban development and easing traffic congestion.

Namma Metro operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, with train frequencies ranging from 4 to 15 minutes, depending on peak hours. The system has witnessed a substantial increase in ridership, with December 2023 recording an average daily ridership of approximately 688,196 passengers, generating fare revenues close to INR 55 crore for that month. This surge reflects the metro's growing acceptance as a reliable and efficient mode of transport among Bengaluru's residents.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) reported earnings of INR 594.02 crore against operating expenses of INR 486.61 crore, achieving a profit after interest for the first time. This positive financial trajectory underscores the metro's potential for sustainable operations, contributing to the city's economic vitality.

Despite its successes, Namma Metro faces challenges, including project delays, cost overruns, and the need for seamless integration with other modes of transport. The implementation of Namma Metro's various phases has experienced significant delays and budget overruns. For instance, Phase 2A, intended to connect Central Silk Board to KR Puram, faced prolonged approval processes and tendering issues. Initial tenders were annulled due to financial difficulties of the selected firm, necessitating re-tendering and causing substantial delays. The project's cost was revised to INR 5,994 crore, with construction commencing only in August 2021, years behind the original schedule.

Similarly, Phase 2B, aimed at extending the metro to Kempegowda International Airport, encountered delays in central government approvals and tendering processes. The project's estimated cost escalated, and construction began in February 2022, with completion now anticipated around December 2025, significantly later than initially planned.

Safety concerns have also plagued Namma Metro's construction phases. A tragic incident occurred in January 2023 when an under-construction metro pillar collapsed in HBR Layout, resulting in the deaths of a woman and her child. This incident raised questions about construction safety standards and led to legal actions against involved parties. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced financial assistance of INR 20 lakh to the victims' family, and the Chief Minister provided an additional INR 10 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Upon the opening of new metro sections, operational challenges have emerged. The extension of the Purple Line to Whitefield, for example, led to overcrowded trains during peak hours, causing commuter discomfort and drawing comparisons to Mumbai's congested local trains. BMRCL has been working to address these issues by adjusting train frequencies and schedules to better accommodate passenger demand.

Namma Metro has faced controversies affecting public perception. In September 2023, a YouTuber gained unauthorised access to the metro system without a ticket, sparking debates about security measures and ethical behavior. Additionally, proposals to rename Namma Metro after the 12th-century philosopher Basaveshwara in October 2023 met with public resistance, with citizens urging the government to focus on infrastructure improvements rather than renaming initiatives.

Despite these challenges, Namma Metro remains a crucial component of Bengaluru's transportation infrastructure. Ongoing efforts to expand the network and enhance operational efficiency aim to address these issues, striving to provide a reliable and safe transit system for the city's residents..

In conclusion, Namma Metro stands as a transformative force in Bengaluru's urban mobility landscape. Its phased expansions, operational efficiencies, and financial viability reflect a commitment to providing sustainable and inclusive public transportation, fostering the city's growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.