Bengaluru Metro Targets November Trial Runs for Pink and Blue Lines, Opening Set for May 2027

Bengaluru’s metro expansion is moving towards another important milestone, with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) targeting trial runs on two key sections of the city’s growing network from November 2026. The planned tests cover the underground stretch of the Pink Line and the Blue Line corridor along the Outer Ring Road (ORR), which serves several of Bengaluru’s major technology hubs.

Both sections are scheduled to open by May 2027, potentially improving connectivity across residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts and employment centres.

Pink Line Underground Section Nears Trial Stage

The 21-km Pink Line is designed to connect Kalena Agrahara in south Bengaluru with Nagawara in the north. The corridor includes both elevated and underground sections, making it a significant addition to the city’s public transport infrastructure.

BMRCL is aiming to begin train operations for testing on the underground section between Dairy Circle and Shivajinagar by the end of October or during November. The trials will mark an important step towards assessing the readiness of the section before passenger services begin.

Meanwhile, the Pink Line’s 7.5-km elevated section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere has completed its statutory safety inspection. The clearance represents progress towards bringing the first part of the corridor into service.

Once the elevated section becomes operational, Bengaluru Metro’s network is expected to expand from 96.1 km to 103.6 km. The additional length is expected to strengthen public transport access in southern parts of the city and improve connections with the wider metro network.

Blue Line Trials Planned Along the ORR Corridor

The Blue Line is another major part of Bengaluru’s metro expansion, particularly for commuters travelling through the Outer Ring Road technology corridor. The route is intended to improve access to major employment hubs and provide an alternative to road-based transport.

BMRCL is targeting trial runs by November 15, 2026, on the section covering Byappanahalli depot, KR Pura and Marathahalli. These tests will help assess operational readiness as work progresses towards the planned opening.

Public sector engineering company BEML has delivered two trainsets for the Blue Line, supporting preparations for the testing phase.

Connectivity Gains in Focus

The planned openings are expected to improve commuting options in a city where road congestion remains a major challenge. The Pink Line will strengthen north-south connectivity, while the Blue Line is expected to benefit commuters travelling towards Bengaluru’s technology districts.

However, the proposed opening timeline will depend on the completion of testing, safety procedures and other operational requirements. With trial runs targeted for November, the coming months will be important in determining how closely the projects meet their May 2027 opening schedule.