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The long-awaited extension of Bengaluru's Namma Metro Green Line from Nagasandra to Madavara, spanning 3.14 kilometers, will finally open for commercial operations on Thursday, November 7th. This extension, which has been delayed for a month due to safety approval procedures, marks a significant development in the city's transportation infrastructure, particularly for residents and commuters along Tumakuru Road. The new line provides crucial access to the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), a major venue for trade events and exhibitions.
The decision to open the line on November 7th, bypassing the planned official inauguration ceremony, was made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar after he conducted a trial run on the route on November 6th. Shivakumar attributed the immediate opening to strong public demand and public frustration over the repeated delays. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) had cleared the extension for operation on October 4th following rigorous safety inspections, but further bureaucratic hurdles prevented its opening until now.
The new stretch includes three new stations: Manjunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara (BIEC). The extension is expected to significantly alleviate congestion on Tumakuru Road, a vital artery connecting Bengaluru to the rest of Karnataka. It will offer a viable alternative to the heavy traffic, providing smoother travel for daily commuters and event-goers traveling to and from the BIEC. The metro expansion has faced various challenges over the years, including land acquisition issues and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the project timeline back by nearly five years.
This development comes after public scrutiny and criticism regarding the previous delays. While the CMRS had given its safety clearance, the opening was held back due to a planned joint inauguration ceremony involving central and state government officials, leading to public discontent. The public perceived this as prioritizing ‘VVIP inaugurations’ over the convenience of commuters. The delay fueled public pressure, prompting the government to expedite the opening without a formal event. The successful completion and opening of the extension highlight the importance of prioritizing citizen convenience and addressing public concerns in infrastructure development projects.
Source: TH Impact: Namma Metro Green Line extension to open for commuters on Nov 7