Bengaluru's 19-km Blue Line Metro stretch from KR Pura to Silk Board is set to enter the testing phase in October, benefiting lakhs of commuters and easing congestion on the Outer Ring Road. The corridor, part of Phase 2A of the Bengaluru Metro project, was announced by Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Phase 2A Corridor Nears Testing Stage
Construction on the Blue Line has reached an advanced stage, though work is still pending at three critical locations. Officials have been instructed to expedite progress to meet the October trial deadline. Statutory clearances for commercial operations may take another 5–6 months after trials begin.
Partial Trials May Begin First
The entire KR Pura–Silk Board stretch may not be ready for testing at once. Due to civil work delays, especially at Marathahalli, BMRCL is considering oscillation trials on the KR Pura–Marathahalli section first. These trials will be conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation.
Trainsets Arrive for Blue Line
BMRCL has started receiving trainsets for the Blue Line from BEML. The arrival of trains marks a key step towards testing and commissioning. However, the final schedule will depend on progress at multiple construction sites.
Key Bottlenecks Identified
Progress at locations such as Byappanahalli depot connectivity, Marathahalli, Iblur and Silk Board will determine the corridor’s commissioning timeline. While girder launching at Marathahalli was completed in March, several follow-up works are still underway.
Pink Line Elevated Section Deadline Reset
A fresh deadline has been set for the elevated section of the Pink Line. The 7-km stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere is now targeted for commissioning by August 15. The corridor has seen multiple delays in the past.
Underground Pink Line Faces Longer Wait
The 13.7-km underground Pink Line section from Tavarekere to Nagawara is likely to become operational only by March 2027. This is later than BMRCL’s earlier target of December 2026. Track laying, signalling, testing and system works are still pending.
Blue Line Phase 2 Details
The Blue Line Phase 2 corridor spans 19 km from KR Pura to Silk Board. According to the project update, a trial on a partial stretch is expected in October 2026. The corridor is expected to significantly ease congestion along the Outer Ring Road.
Metro Phase II B Update
Metro Phase II B includes a 26-km stretch from Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport. The section is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Opening of the KR Pura–Hebbal section is targeted for December 2027.
Orange Line Phase III Under Evaluation
The proposed 45-km Orange Line under Phase III is being evaluated by RITES. A report is expected within 20 days, after which the proposal will be sent to the Centre for approval. The Sarjapur–Hebbal section is currently awaiting clearance.
