Bengaluru's Nagasandra Metro Swamped Post-Diwali As Green Line Extension Awaits Approval (WATCH)

After the Diwali festival, Bengaluru saw a massive surge in metro commuters, resulting in an approximately 1-kilometer-long queue at the Nagasandra Metro station. Frustrated travelers voiced their disappointment, blaming politicians for delays in expanding the metro line, which they say would alleviate unnecessary congestion.

Following Deepavali celebrations, many returning to Bengaluru from over 22 districts in northern Karnataka and neighboring states chose the metro to avoid the city's infamous traffic jams. However, they encountered heavy congestion at key points like Nagasandra, Peenya 2nd Phase, Goraguntepalya, and Yeshwantpur. With road travel taking significantly longer due to traffic, many opted to disembark at the Nagasandra Green Line station on Bengaluru-Tumkur Road.

At Nagasandra, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 commuters gathered, forming a 1-kilometer queue that some compared to Hanuman's tail. Hoping for a traffic-free ride, passengers were left frustrated with the long wait times, sparking criticism toward local politicians and metro authorities for the delay in extending the metro line.

Currently, the Bengaluru Metro's Green Line covers 29 stations from Nagasandra on Tumkur Road to Silk Institute on Kanakapura Road. An extension from Nagasandra to Manjunathnagar, Chikka Bidarakallu, and Madavara is under construction, with railway tests underway. Yet, political setbacks have stalled the opening of this new route, further fueling frustration among commuters and residents.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Bengaluru Urban Development Minister DK Shivakumar, and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, along with MPs like V. Somanna, PC Mohan, Tejasvi Surya, and Dr. CN Ashwath Narayan, have faced backlash for not prioritizing the metro's extension.

With a significant portion of Bengaluru's population hailing from North Karnataka, coastal districts, and other states such as Maharashtra, the Nagasandra station often experiences overcrowding. Passengers frequently face long lines, ranging from 500 meters to 1 kilometer, just to access the metro.

Residents remain hopeful that the extension from Nagasandra to Madavara will ease congestion and improve their daily commute. While construction is nearing completion, commuters are eagerly awaiting final tests and Union Ministry approval for this critical line. Calls are growing for state ministers and local MPs to expedite the opening, as commuters continue to press for a long-term solution to their metro woes.