Bengaluru Metro: Purple Line Extension To Commence Operations After CMRS Inspection On 7 September

The launch of the Baiyappanahalli – KR Puram stretch on the purple line, covering two kilometres, is eagerly awaited in East Bengaluru. This stretch is expected to improve the public transport system in Whitefield and the surrounding areas.

The KR Puram – Baiyappanahalli stretch, spanning around two kilometres, will connect the Whitefield area to Kengeri and Challaghatta.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has stated that the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) team is likely to conduct an inspection on this stretch after 7 September.

The launch of the stretch will only take place after the CMRS inspection.

BMRCL chief Anjum Parvez mentioned in an interview with The Times of India that signal testing and other trial runs are currently in progress on the Baiyappanahalli – KR Puram line.

All trial run-related work is expected to be completed by 6 September. The CMRS will then inspect the metro line after 7 September.

Once the CMRS approves, the stretch on the purple line will be opened to the public.

The Purple Line, which was the first route on which Namma Metro introduced services to the city, was originally scheduled to be completed in July.

However, due to technical reasons, the project was delayed.

The Purple Line is a 43.5-km route that connects Challaghatta with Whitefield (Kadugodi), which will make travel between the eastern and western parts of the city smoother and faster.

The KR Puram – Baiyappanahalli stretch, spanning approximately two kilometres, will connect the Whitefield area to Kengeri, Challaghatta, Majestic, and other parts of Bengaluru.

The BMRCL clarified that the installation of an open web grinder above Bennganahalli railway station required approval from Indian Railways, causing the delay.

The opening of the entire east-west corridor will drastically reduce travel time for passengers, making it a game-changer for the city's mobility landscape.

According to Parwez, it will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to travel between Challaghatta and Whitefield (Kadugodi), whereas covering the same distance by bus or cab usually takes more than two hours during peak time.

"At least 70,000 passengers per day will shift to Namma Metro when the Purple Line becomes fully operational. We believe that more people will choose Namma Metro as it provides a comfortable travel experience in the city," added Parwez.