Namma Metro Green Line Extension From Nagasandra-Madavara Ready For Launch, Awaiting Final Approval

The much-anticipated Namma Metro service between Nagasandra and Madavara is finally ready for operations. This 3.14 km extension of the Green Line is expected to open to the public in the coming days, pending final approval from the state government. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has already requested a date from senior officials for the official inauguration.

Metro services on the Tumakuru Road Green Line are scheduled to begin this month after receiving approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for commercial operations. However, the Karnataka government needs to finalize the inauguration date before the line can be opened to the public.

This new stretch, which has been built at a cost of ₹298.65 crore, includes three stations: Manjunath Nagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara. Once opened, the Bengaluru Metro network will expand to a total of 76.95 km. The new extension is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion on the Tumakuru Road corridor, which often faces heavy traffic.

Despite being approved for operations by the CMRS on October 4, the project has seen delays in its official inauguration due to pending approvals from both state and central governments. BMRCL must secure clearance from the Karnataka Urban Development Department (UDD) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), as Namma Metro is a joint venture between the state and central administrations.

BMRCL Managing Director M. Maheshwara Rao confirmed that letters have been sent to the respective governments, requesting a date for the official inauguration. "We are currently awaiting the necessary approvals from the government," he said.

A senior official from UDD also verified the request, stating that a letter has been forwarded to the Deputy Chief Minister's Office (DCMO) to finalize the date for the inauguration.

"The Nagasandra-Madavara line is fully prepared for operations. The exact inauguration date will be decided in coordination with the DCMO and relevant authorities," the official added.

The Nagasandra-Madavara stretch has faced significant delays, becoming one of the slowest projects in the history of Namma Metro construction. Land acquisition issues and financial difficulties with the contractors, Simplex Infrastructures Limited, prolonged the project. Originally contracted in February 2017 with a 27-month deadline, the stretch ultimately took over 7 years (91 months) to complete.

As the inauguration date nears, residents and commuters eagerly await the new metro line, hoping for some much-needed relief from Bengaluru's notorious traffic.