Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar Announces Upcoming Operational Blue Line Stations
On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar shared promising news regarding the progress of the Namma Metro Blue Line project. He stated that as soon as five or six stations of the highly anticipated Blue Line are completed, they will be opened to the public for use. This announcement comes in the wake of an inspection of the ongoing construction on the Airport Metro corridor, which is a vital component of the city’s expanding metro network.
Progress Review Before Legislative Session
During his visit, Mr. Shivakumar emphasized the importance of diligent oversight by conducting thorough progress reviews across all departments under his jurisdiction. This includes the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), which is instrumental in overseeing the progression of the metro projects. The review comes just ahead of the Karnataka legislative session scheduled to take place in Belagavi from December 8 to 19, marking a significant period for legislative discussions and approvals.
Massive Investment and Staged Commissioning
The Blue Line project, part of the broader 58-km ORR–Airport Metro initiative, represents a massive investment of ₹15,000 crores. This ambitious project is designed to create a vital transit link connecting the busy Central Silk Board area to the Kempegowda International Airport. Mr. Shivakumar remarked that the commissioning of the metro lines will occur in stages if necessary to ensure systematic rollout and efficiency.
A Firm Stance on Contractor Deadlines
In a firm warning to contractors, Mr. Shivakumar underscored the importance of adhering to deadlines. He stated, “If the contractor does not complete the work on time, we will not award them any further contracts.” This statement reflects a decisive stance aimed at holding contractors accountable and ensuring that the project timelines are respected.
Specific Deadlines for Each Section
Further detailing the timelines, Mr. Shivakumar specified that the Central Silk Board to K.R. Puram stretch (Phase 2A) is expected to be completed by December 2026. The subsequent segment from K.R. Puram to Hebbal has a target completion date set for December 2027, whereas the final phase from Hebbal to Kempegowda International Airport (Phase 2B) is slated for completion by June 2026.
A Transformative Transit Experience
According to the BMRCL, once the Blue Line is fully operational, it will provide residents and visitors with a seamless transit experience across a distance of 58.19 kilometers. This innovative metro line will connect the bustling IT hubs around Silk Board in the south of Bengaluru to the Kempegowda International Airport situated in the north, passing conveniently through K.R. Puram.
Forming the Longest Uninterrupted Metro Corridor
With the combination of the 19.75-km Phase 2A section and the expansive 38.44-km Phase 2B airport link, the Namma Metro Blue Line is set to form the longest uninterrupted metro corridor in the city. This development stands to significantly enhance the city’s infrastructure, making travel more accessible and efficient for its ever-growing population.
As the city anticipates the completion of this comprehensive metro corridor, the commitment from the government and pertinent authorities signals a substantial step forward for urban transportation in Bengaluru.
