Namma Metro Pink Line Inauguration: In a major relief for commuters in Bengaluru, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) has provided a crucial safety clearance for Namma Metro’s 7.38-km Pink Line, paving the way for its opening between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the elevated corridor on November 15.
The passenger services are likely to begin soon after that. The CMRS granted the clearance on Wednesday. In its order, the CMRS sanctions the opening of the double-line section, including the introduction of 750V DC electric traction, for public carriage of passengers.
The clearance is a mandatory requirement as it assures safety features are in place after detailed inspections, train testing and speed trials. All the necessary steps were completed earlier this month.
This Pink Line stretch is part of Reach 6 of Phase II of the Namma Metro project. It covers a distance of 7.38 km and has six stations.
These stations include:
- Kalena Agrahara Station (Southern Terminus, Bannerghatta Road)
- Hulimavu Station
- IIM Bangalore Station (Bilekahalli)
- JP Nagar 4th Phase Station
- Jayadeva Hospital Station
- Tavarekere (Swagath Cross Road) Station
Pink Line has a total of 18 stations, 12 of which are under construction. While the 7.38-km section is completely elevated, the remaining 13.79 km will be underground. The section ready for inauguration also bolsters the Bengaluru Metro network by providing a linkage to the Yellow Line.
Commuters can interchange between the two lines at Jayadeva Hospital station.
The CMRS inspected on October 6, 7 and 8, covering the entire section, the Kothanur maintenance depot and the Operations Control Centre (OCC) at Baiyappanahalli. The speed trial was subsequently conducted on both the up and down lines on October 27 using a special train fitted with an OMS 2000 system.
During the trial, the train achieved a speed of 90 kmph. “Based on the inspections, results of tests carried out, speed trials and perusal of the certificates/documents and other information submitted by BMRCL, I think that the provisions of Section 15(1) of the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, have been substantially complied with,” the order states.