In a significant update for Bengaluru's infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced a clear timeline for the completion of the much-anticipated Namma Metro Blue Line, which will connect the city centre to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). After a site inspection on Friday, Shivakumar confirmed that the first phase of this crucial corridor is on track for a December 2026 launch.
Phased Opening of the Blue Line Corridor
The massive Rs 15,000-crore project, spanning 58 kilometres, will be opened to the public in stages. The Deputy CM outlined specific deadlines for each segment of the Blue Line, which runs from Central Silk Board to the airport.
The initial 19-kilometre stretch from Central Silk Board to KR Pura is slated to be operational by 2026. Following this, the section from KR Pura to Hebbal is expected to be ready by December 2027. The final leg connecting Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport is targeted for completion by June 2027.
Shivakumar issued a stern warning to the contractors involved, emphasizing the importance of adhering to these deadlines. He stated that instructions have been given to complete the work on time, and failure to do so would result in the contractors being barred from consideration for future state projects.
Clarity on Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) Compensation
During the interaction, Shivakumar also addressed the long-pending issue of land acquisition for the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project. He directed Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) officials to deposit compensation amounts to landowners based on the old rates.
The government has offered a comprehensive set of five options for compensation, which is being highlighted as a unique and generous move. Landowners can choose from Transferable Development Rights (TDR), enhanced Floor Area Ratio (FAR), direct monetary compensation, commercial land along the road alignment, or other alternatives.
"Nowhere else in the country have so many options been provided," Shivakumar remarked. He made it clear that if landowners do not agree to any of these options, the compensation will be deposited at the old rate. He firmly added, "I am not going to denotify the land, nor will I succumb to any pressure," signaling a decisive push to move the project forward.
Boosting Bengaluru's Connectivity
The completion of the Blue Line is poised to revolutionize transit in India's tech capital, offering a seamless, high-speed metro link to the international airport. This project is critical for decongesting the city's notorious traffic and providing a reliable public transport alternative for millions of commuters and air travelers. The announcement of firm deadlines brings long-awaited certainty to Bengaluru's infrastructure roadmap.
