Bengaluru’s long-awaited Pink Line could finally start carrying passengers in the first week of September, provided it gets the required statutory clearances.
The nearly 7-km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere was earlier expected to open on August 15. That deadline was missed, but Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is now looking at September for the launch.
BMRCL Managing Director PC Jaffer said the construction and other related works have been completed from the corporation’s side. The remaining formalities include Railway Board approval for the rolling stock and inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). He said the exact opening date will depend on when these clearances are received.
The nearly 7-km stretch was earlier expected to open on August 15 but missed that deadline.
However, the Namma metro Pink Line is expected to make travel easier for people living along Bannerghatta Road, including those in Kalena Agrahara, Gottigere, Hulimavu, Bilekahalli and surrounding neighbourhoods.
But some residents could find that walking upto the metro station is still a challenge.
Several roads around the stations along the Metro stretch have incomplete footpaths, potholes, open drains and garbage-covered walking spaces, according to TOI report.
At Kalena Agrahara, for instance, residents travelling from Gottigere and areas beyond NICE Road will have to negotiate stretches where proper pedestrian space is either missing or difficult to use.
The road towards NICE Road has stretches without footpaths, while existing sections are often occupied by waste. Open drains along parts of the route leave pedestrians with even fewer options, forcing some to walk closer to moving traffic.
A temporary bus stop near the Himagiri Main Road-Bannerghatta Road junction has also come up beside an open drain. Around the station, some portions of the footpath remain covered with mud and waste.
The issue is not limited to Kalena Agrahara.
Around Hulimavu station, buses are expected to serve commuters, but a proper shelter is reportedly missing. Residential areas along Hulimavu Main Road, BDA 80 Feet Road and Arekere Road are relatively close to the station, yet pedestrian connections remain inadequate.
The Royal Meenakshi Mall junction presents another problem. Metro infrastructure occupies portions of the pedestrian space, while garbage on other sections makes walking difficult.
These gaps could become more noticeable once passenger movement increases after the Pink Line opens.
One of the biggest gains from the Pink Line will be the interchange facility at Jayadeva.
Once the Pink Line is fully operational, Jayadeva will become Bengaluru’s third interchange station after Majestic and RV Road, allowing passengers to move between the Pink and Yellow lines.
The Jayadeva station is already partly operational for the Yellow Line and is spread across six levels. It is also integrated with the road flyover that forms part of Bengaluru’s double-decker infrastructure project.