Bengaluru Pink Line Metro: Safety Trials To Begin Soon, First Phase To Open In May 2026

The much-anticipated Pink Line of the Namma Metro is set to become a reality soon, with safety trials expected to begin before the end of this month. Officials from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) have confirmed that the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) will carry out the trials after completing certain official formalities. These inspections are a critical step, and the process is expected to take at least two weeks.

RDSO trials are an essential requirement before any metro line in India can commence operations. These rigorous tests ensure that trains, tracks, signalling systems, and other infrastructure meet the highest safety and performance standards. Assessments include evaluating braking systems, signalling operations, speed trials, weighted tests, and other safety parameters. Additionally, the structural integrity of the civil works along the corridor is thoroughly checked.

Once the trials are completed, the results will be submitted for technical sanction from the Railway Board. After receiving this approval, the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will conduct the final inspection. Passenger operations can begin only after CMRS clearance, ensuring that all aspects of safety and performance are fully verified.

The Pink Line corridor spans about 21.3 km, making it a major addition to Bengaluru's metro network. Approximately 13 km of the line will run underground between Dairy Circle and Nagawara, which will make it one of the city's longest underground stretches. The remaining 7.53 km is an elevated section connecting Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere. The elevated portion is expected to open first in May 2026, while the full corridor is expected to be completed by the end of December 2026.

The Pink Line will feature eighteen stations, including major interchanges at MG Road, Jayadeva Hospital, and Nagawara, enabling seamless connectivity with the Purple, Yellow, and upcoming Blue lines. Key stations include Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIM-Bangalore, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva Hospital, Tavarekere, Dairy Circle, Lakkasandra, Langford Town, National Military School, MG Road, Shivajinagar, Cantonment, Pottery Town, Tannery Road, Venkateshpura, Kadugundanahalli, and Nagawara.

Train services on the Pink Line are expected to operate from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm, with peak-hour frequencies of 5 to 7 minutes and non-peak intervals of 8 to 12 minutes, matching the timings of the existing Purple and Green Lines.

Fares for the Pink Line have not yet been released as the corridor is still under construction. BMRCL is expected to announce final token and smart card rates closer to the launch. However, the line is likely to follow Namma Metro's distance-based fare system, with projected charges ranging from Rs 10 for trips up to 2 km to Rs 80 for longer journeys of 20-25 km. Once operational, the Pink Line will significantly enhance Bengaluru's public transport network, reducing traffic congestion while providing fast and reliable connectivity across key parts of the city.