The partial opening of the Pink Line is unlikely to ease road traffic on Bannerghatta, say commuters and experts

Bengaluru’s much-awaited Pink Line is expected to begin operations in phases, with the 7.5-km stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere likely to be commissioned this month or next. However, traffic experts and commuters said the partial opening is unlikely to ease congestion on Bannerghatta Road.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has completed the physical civil infrastructure and trial runs on the elevated section that forms the southern part of the 21.26 km Pink Line.

The stretch runs along Bannerghatta Road and covers several busy locations, including areas around the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), Hulimavu, Jayadeva Hospital, educational institutions and IT parks.

While the opening could provide an alternative mode of transport for commuters to destinations like Jayadeva Hospital and IIMB, regular commuters believe its impact on traffic congestion will remain limited until the underground section is operational.

Limited traffic restrictions

Bannerghatta Road witnesses severe traffic jams during peak hours when thousands of commuters travel to the central part of Bengaluru.

“Opening only a small part of the line does not solve the main problem. Many of us travel towards the Central Business District (CBD), and if the entire line is not operational, we will have to rely on buses after exiting the subway. Currently, we have to rely on the yellow or green line,” said Ananth S., a resident of Hulimavu.

“Opening a small stretch does not make sense for daily office goers. Traffic on Bannerghatta Road will not disappear because of a 7km track. If the metro suddenly ends at Tavarekere, we will still have to get down, find an auto-rickshaw or wait for a BMTC bus at Dairy Circle, it only takes 30 minutes to go to the city, the crossing alone takes 30 minutes during peak hours.” from one junction to another,” added Mr. Ananth.

Limited commuter benefit

For commuters to Shivajinagar and the CBD, the restriction is particularly evident.

Meera K., who commutes daily from Arekere to Shivajinagar for work near Cubbon Park, said she was looking forward to using the Pink Line for her daily commute.

“Currently, I am taking BMTC bus 368 from Arekere to Shivajinagar. I was hoping that once the Pink Line is fully opened, I will be able to take the metro straight towards Shivajinagar. But as only the Kalena Agrahara-Tavarekere section is opening, I would have to take the metro up to Dairy Circle and from there take a bus to Shivajinagar and would rather continue by bus to Shivajinagar. The line will be useful only when it opens fully,” she said.

Full connectivity is the key

Transport expert MN Srihari said a full Pink Line would be far more significant than opening a short isolated section.

“The real value of the pink line lies in its ability to create a continuous north-south public transport corridor between the southern parts of Bengaluru, the CBD and the northern areas. The fragmented opening of the metro corridor limits its network effect. Technically, the benefits of the metro are increasing, where passengers can travel continuously through major transfer points without additional transfers. A short service section may attract some local low-commuters to reduce rush hour traffic, but it will contribute to Mr.

He further said that BMRCL should focus on completing and making the entire corridor operational as soon as possible. “A fully operational line can shift a significant number of road users to the metro and bring the intended traffic and mobility benefits. Opening a small section is useful as a temporary measure but should not be seen as a solution to the congestion problem,” Srihari added.

The project is facing delays

According to BMRCL’s schedule, the 7.5 km stretch from Tavarekere to Kalena Agrahara along Bannerghatta Road is expected to be commissioned in September 2026.

The remaining 13.76 km underground section from Dairy Circle to Nagawara is still under construction. The underground corridor, which will be the longest in Bengaluru, will pass through key locations including MG Road, Shivajinagar and Tannery Road.

The 21.3 km Pink Line, being developed as part of Phase 2 of the Namma Metro, is to provide a key north-south link between Kalena Agrahara and Nagawara. The project consists of 7.5 km of elevated viaduct and approximately 13.8 km of underground tunnels.

Originally scheduled for completion in 2020 and later scheduled for December 2025, the project has faced several delays, particularly in underground construction. Tunneling involved difficult geological conditions, including granite and hard dolerite formations, while working in densely populated areas presented additional challenges.

BMRCL completed the excavation of the underground corridor in October 2024. Although the underground section is about 14 km long, approximately 21 km of excavation was required to create twin tunnels for trains running in both directions.

Published – 13 Sep 2026 20:18 IST