The Namma Metro Blue Line section between Bengaluru’s KR Puram and Marathahalli is expected to begin trial operations by the end of November, marking a major construction milestone on the corridor planned to connect Central Silk Board with Kempegowda International Airport. The update was provided by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials, according to a report by Prajavani.
The Blue Line is being built over 58.19 km in two sections. Phase 2A covers the stretch from Central Silk Board to KR Puram, while Phase 2B runs from KR Puram to Kempegowda International Airport. Phase 2A was divided into two packages, and Phase 2B into three packages for construction and implementation.
The first package of Phase 2A has been completed, covering six elevated stations: KR Puram, Mahadevapura, DRDO Complex, Doddanekkundi, ISRO and Marathahalli. Trial operations on this package are expected to begin by the end of November. After the trial run begins on the completed section, preparations will be made to begin trial operations on the adjoining package, officials said.
The section between Devarabeesanahalli and Central Silk Board is also in the final stages of construction. This part of the corridor includes stations at Devarabeesanahalli, Kadubeesanahalli, Bellandur, Iblur, Agara and HSR Layout, along with the Central Silk Board station. The Blue Line is intended to serve several of Bengaluru’s major employment and residential areas, including the Outer Ring Road corridor.
The project has faced a prolonged construction and contracting process. Tenders for the Blue Line were first invited in February 2018, and the contract was awarded to IL&FS. The contract was later cancelled after the company faced internal problems and entered insolvency proceedings. A fresh tender process began in March 2020, but the process was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the absence of approval from the central government at that stage.
After receiving central approval, BMRCL invited tenders again in May 2021, and construction began in August of the same year. The Blue Line had been scheduled for inauguration in 2026, but construction progressed more slowly than planned because of various delays and implementation-related issues.
According to information cited from BMRCL sources, Metro services on the first package of Phase 2A are expected to begin in the middle of 2027. Operations on the second package of Phase 2A and the Phase 2B section between Kempapura and Kempegowda International Airport may begin in December 2027. The remaining section between Kempapura and KR Puram is expected to open by March 2028, subject to completion and operational clearances.
