Bengaluru Metro to Cross 100-Km Mark as PM Modi Set to Inaugurate Pink Line Elevated Section

Bengaluru is set to cross a significant milestone in its urban transport expansion, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate the 7.5-km elevated section of the Bengaluru Metro Pink Line on November 13. The opening will increase the city’s operational metro network from 96.1 km to 103.6 km, taking it beyond the 100-km mark.

The new section will connect Kalena Agrahara with Tavarekere, improving metro access across parts of south Bengaluru, particularly along the Bannerghatta Road corridor. The inauguration will complete a key elevated stretch of the 21.26-km Pink Line, which is eventually planned to connect Kalena Agrahara in the south with Nagawara in north Bengaluru.

According to official sources, the Prime Minister is expected to flag off the elevated section from a location yet to be finalised along Bannerghatta Road. Bengaluru South MP L.S. Tejasvi Surya has also confirmed the November 13 inauguration date. He indicated that Modi would travel between Tavarekere and IIMB-Bilekahalli station as part of the programme.

Bengaluru Metro network to reach 103.6 km

With the elevated Pink Line section becoming operational, Bengaluru will have the country’s second-largest operational metro network after Delhi, based on route length. The expansion is expected to improve public transport access to residential and commercial areas in south Bengaluru, including the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore vicinity.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is planning to deploy five to six trains on the elevated stretch. Peak-hour train frequency is expected to range between six and 10 minutes. However, the corporation has not yet confirmed whether regular passenger services will begin on November 13 or the following day.

Underground section remains pending

The Pink Line has experienced considerable construction delays and cost escalation. Initially estimated at ₹8,730 crore with a March 2016 completion target, the corridor’s estimated cost increased to ₹17,346 crore. Construction began in 2020 following delays involving clearances, tendering, land acquisition and complex underground works.

While the elevated section is nearing inauguration, the underground stretch remains necessary to complete the connection to Nagawara. The full 21.26-km corridor will therefore become operational only after the remaining works are completed and commissioned.

The upcoming opening marks an important addition to Bengaluru’s public transport infrastructure. However, the completion of the entire Pink Line will be crucial to delivering the corridor’s full connectivity benefits.