TH Impact: After month-long delay despite approval, Namma Metro Green Line extension to open for commuters in Bengaluru on November 7

The expansion of the Namma Metro network has faced various hurdles over the years, resulting in significant delays. Issues with land acquisition near the NICE Road junction and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the project timeline back by nearly five years.

After a month-long delay following safety approval, the Namma Metro Green Line from Nagasandra to Madavara is set to open for commercial operations on Thursday, November 7.

This eagerly awaited 3.14-kilometre extension provides critical metro access to the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), marking a significant expansion of the city’s transport network along Tumakuru Road.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who conducted a trial run on the route on November 6, announced that the line would open on Thursday November 7 without a formal inauguration, citing strong public demand. His decision bypasses the planned official launch ceremony, reflecting a response to public frustration over repeated delays.

The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) had cleared the extension for operation on October 4, following rigorous safety inspections.

The extended stretch comprises three new stations — Manjunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara (BIEC). This new link is expected to bring significant relief to the thousands of commuters on Tumakuru Road, a crucial artery connecting Bengaluru with the rest of Karnataka.

On October 25, The Hindu published an article titled “Namma Metro commuters frustrated as Nagasandra-Madavara opening awaits inauguration despite safety clearance”. The article highlighted the mounting impatience among metro users due to bureaucratic delays even after the safety nod from CMRS. Both the Centre and State governments had not given their approval for operations to commence, as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had been coordinating a joint inauguration with Central and State ministers, and other officials.

This process drew sharp criticism from the public, who saw it as prioritising ‘VVIP inaugurations’ over citizens’ convenience.