Hans News Service Bengaluru

Bengaluru’sambitious Blue Line Metro project has achieved another significant milestone, with a trial run of a train extended along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor. The development has raised hopes among thousands of commuters, particularly IT employees who struggle with daily traffic congestion between Silk Board and KR Puram.

On November 10, a test train travelled from Byappanahalli Depot to Doddanekkundi Metro station, marking further progress in the testing of the Blue Line infrastructure.Earlier, on November 7, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had conducted an initial trial run between Byappanahalli Depot and Benniganahalli. The latest extension towards Doddanekkundi through KR Puram is an important step towards testing a longer stretch of the corridor.

The trial runs are intended to assess the performance of the trains, electrical systems, tracks and other infrastructure before further testing and safety inspections are undertaken. Under Phase 2A, the Blue Line will cover 19.75 km between Central Silk Board and KR Puram, with 13 stations. These include HSR Layout, Agara, Ibbaluru, Bellandur, Devarabeesanahalli, Kadubeesanahalli, Marathahalli, ISRO, Doddanekkundi, Bagmane and Saraswatinagar.

BMRCL is targeting May 2027 for the commencement of passenger services on this stretch. However, the line will have to undergo further trials, mandatory safety inspections and statutory approvals before opening. The corridor is expected to provide substantial relief to commuters travelling through Bengaluru’s busy IT corridor. The Blue Line will eventually extend connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport, improving public transport access to the airport.