Bengaluru Metro has launched trial runs for the 3.14 km Green Line extension between Nagasandra and Madavara. Initial tests began on August 20, with trains operating at speeds of 3-35 km/h. Commercial operations are expected by the end of October, with potential public access by mid-September. The INR 298 crore project aims to alleviate traffic along Tumakuru Road, benefiting nearby areas like Nelamangala. Despite construction delays since 2017, major structural work is complete. Service disruptions are planned on specific dates, but the extension is set to significantly enhance Bengaluru's public transport infrastructure.
The Bengaluru Metro is taking significant steps towards enhancing public transport with the commencement of trial runs for the Green Line extension. This new extension spans 3.14 kilometres, connecting Nagasandra and Madavara, and is part of an ongoing effort to improve transportation options for residents.
On August 20, officials began initial signal testing on the Reach-35 line. Trains are currently being tested at speeds between 3 and 35 kilometres per hour. Authorities expect commercial operations on this route to start by the end of October, with the system potentially ready for public use as early as mid-September. The complete extension project is projected to cost INR 298 crore and aims to ease congestion along Tumakuru Road, benefiting not only those travelling between Tumakuru and Bengaluru, but also residents in the surrounding areas, such as Nelamangala and Makali.
Much of the construction for this project began in 2017 but faced delays mostly related to land acquisition. Despite these setbacks, the major structural work has largely been wrapped up, allowing for the commencement of technical operations and testing. The Madavara station will serve as a key transit point, positioned after Manjunath Nagar and Jindal stations, both of which are now complete.
However, these trial runs come with some disruptions to the existing Metro services. Trains between Peenya Industry and Nagasandra Metro stations will not operate on specific days: August 20, 23, and 30, along with September 6 and 11. Additionally, on August 24, the last Metro service from Nagasandra will leave at 10 PM, an hour earlier than usual, while services on August 25 will start later than typically scheduled.
Authorities have confirmed that while the Green Line experiences adjustments, service on the Purple Line will remain uninterrupted. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has urged commuters to plan their journeys accordingly, emphasising that these short-term disruptions will lead to long-term improvements in the city's transit system.
Looking ahead, the completion of the Green Line extension is expected to play a critical role in the city's overall strategy to reduce traffic congestion and promote more sustainable modes of transportation. As Bengaluru continues to grow, improvements to public transport infrastructure have become increasingly necessary to meet the demands of its residents.
The Bengaluru Metro has been a long-standing project aimed at not just improving mobility but also increasing the efficiency of public transport in the city. With the latest extension, it continues to build on its vision of making commuting easier and more reliable for everyone in the region. Commuters eagerly await the full operational readiness of the Green Line extension, which promises to enhance connectivity and convenience in Bengaluru.