The much-anticipated extension of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Green Line, spanning 3.14 kilometers from Nagasandra to Madavara, is set to commence commercial operations on November 7, following a month-long delay post-safety approval. This new metro section, cleared by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety on October 4, provides crucial access to the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre along Tumakuru Road, a key transport route in the city.
In a move to meet public demand, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the line’s opening without a formal inauguration, reflecting the growing frustration over bureaucratic hold-ups despite safety clearance. Initially, the opening was stalled due to plans for a joint ceremony involving central and state officials, causing public dissent against prioritizing VVIP events over commuter convenience.
The extension features three new stations: Manjunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara (BIEC), and is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on Tumakuru Road, especially during peak hours. Residents of Bengaluru’s northwestern suburbs and BIEC visitors stand to benefit from the expanded metro service, which promises to ease the city’s travel woes significantly.
Past project delays stemmed from land acquisition challenges and COVID-19 disruptions, pushing the timeline back by nearly five years. However, the latest developments mark a significant leap in enhancing Bengaluru’s public transportation infrastructure.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/th-impact-after-month-long-delay-despite-approval-namma-metro-green-line-extension-to-open-for-commuters-in-bengaluru-on-november-7/article68836092.ece
Category : Bengaluru
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