Bengaluru Metro’s Pink and Blue Lines Near Trial Runs Amid Signalling and Safety Hurdles

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to commence trial runs on two new corridors in November. The underground section of the Pink Line between Dairy Circle and Nagawara is slated for trial operation by the end of October or early November, while the Outer Ring Road (ORR) segment of the Blue Line—linking the Byappanahalli depot, KR Pura and Marathahalli—is targeted for a November 15 trial. Both corridors are scheduled for commercial opening by May 2027, contingent on successful testing and statutory clearances.

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November The Hindu

The Pink Line’s underground stretch requires installation of platform screen doors (PSDs) and their integration with the signalling system. Components, including frames and glass, are arriving from China in multiple consignments, with the first batch already on site. Signalling integration is identified as a major remaining task for both lines.

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

Separately, the elevated 7.5-km portion of the Pink Line has undergone a statutory inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) scheduled for October 6-8. BMRCL received a list of observations on October 9 and responded on October 15. A senior BMRCL official described the observations as routine and not indicative of major deficiencies, noting that a compliance report will be submitted within the next week.

The HinduBengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

Managing Director PC Jaffer emphasized that the corporation aims to complete all required work by March 2027, but the final timeline depends on signalling tests, coordination with rolling stock, and regulatory inspections. He noted that BEML has delivered 11 trainsets for the Pink Line and two for the Blue Line, which are sufficient to begin trial runs. The agency also highlighted that civil works are nearly finished, with only about 2 km of track-laying and station construction pending for the ORR corridor.

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

• Current network length: 96.1 km, serving roughly 1 million passenger journeys daily.

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

• Pink Line total length: 21.3 km (7.5 km elevated, 13.8 km underground).

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

• Expected network length after openings: 103.6 km.

The Hindu

• “We want to take the train from Dairy Circle all the way to Shivajinagar by October-end or in November,” — Jaffer, managing director

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

• “Signalling integration will take a lot of time. The opening of the lines depends on how fast we will be able to do the testing,” — Jaffer, managing director

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

• “We have completed all works except signalling. Our aim is to take the train for trial runs up to Marathahalli,” — Jaffer, managing director

Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line underground, ORR sections likely to see trial runs from November

• “Such observations are a routine part of the metro commissioning process. Receiving a list of remarks does not necessarily indicate major deficiencies. BMRCL is preparing its response, which is expected to be submitted next week.” — senior official

The Hindu