Namma Metro Blue Line: Bengaluru’s Silk Board to Airport Route to Open by December 2027

The much-awaited Namma Metro Blue Line, one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Bengaluru, is on track to provide direct connectivity from Central Silk Board Junction to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) by December 2027. Spread over 58.19 kilometers, the Blue Line is expected to significantly transform the city's transport system, making airport travel faster and more convenient for millions of commuters.

The Blue Line is being developed in two phases. Phase 2A covers a 19.75-kilometer stretch between Central Silk Board and Krishnarajapura (K.R. Pura), while Phase 2B extends for 38.44 kilometers from K.R. Pura to the airport. According to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the project had achieved 52.5 percent progress in civil works as of June 30, 2025. Although the construction faced setbacks, including a nine-month pause in 2023 due to a fatal incident at HBR Layout, work has since picked up pace and continues steadily across the corridor.

Within the airport boundaries, two stations are being constructed by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). The Airport City Station is being built at ground level, while the Airport Terminal Station will be a semi-underground facility located about seven to eight metres below the surface. These stations are being designed to integrate seamlessly with the airport, ensuring that passengers can switch between flights and the metro with ease.

The trains on the Blue Line are planned with advanced features to cater to the unique requirements of airport-bound passengers. They will be driverless, equipped with modern safety systems, and fitted with luggage racks to make travel more comfortable for air travellers. This marks a significant step forward for Bengaluru in adopting world-class metro systems.

Planning for the Silk Board to Airport Metro began nearly a decade ago. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Silk Board-K.R. Pura section was submitted in October 2016 and received cabinet approval in March 2017, while the DPR for the Airport Line was finalized in September 2017 and approved in January 2019. Together, Phases 2A and 2B are estimated to cost ₹14,788 crore, making it one of the costliest and most crucial projects under Namma Metro's expansion.

Recently, BMRCL's Managing Director J. Ravishankar carried out an inspection of the construction work along the corridor between Hebbal and KIA. His review included the viaducts, metro stations, the Shettigere depot, and critical components such as railway crossings and cut-and-cover structures close to Indian Air Force land. Officials emphasized that the inspection highlighted the importance of timely completion, safety compliance, and adherence to world-class standards in design and construction.

Once completed, the Namma Metro Blue Line will provide Bengaluru with its first direct metro connectivity to the airport. The corridor will connect several important areas of the city including Silk Board, Bellandur, Marathahalli, K.R. Pura, Hebbal, Yelahanka, and the airport, thereby easing congestion on the Outer Ring Road and reducing travel time for both daily commuters and air passengers. By linking the southern, eastern, and northern suburbs directly to Kempegowda International Airport, the Blue Line is expected to become one of the most vital routes in the entire metro network.

The completion of this line in December 2027 will mark a turning point in Bengaluru's transport system. With seamless airport connectivity, advanced metro infrastructure, and better accessibility across multiple corridors, the Namma Metro Blue Line promises to reshape urban mobility in the city and offer residents a reliable alternative to road travel.