The eagerly awaited extension of Bengaluru Metro’s Green Line is set to open on 7 November, following final approvals from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Karnataka’s Urban Development Department had reached out to the Ministry on 18 October for the necessary clearances, and the permission arrived on 5 November. The news brings hope to many commuters who have long awaited relief from Bengaluru’s chronic traffic congestion, especially in high-density areas such as Tumakuru Road. The line’s activation is expected to significantly enhance public transport options, catering to Bengaluru’s daily metro users who rely on faster and more sustainable urban commuting solutions.
The push to expedite the line’s opening was championed by Bangalore South MP L.S. Tejasvi Surya, who recently met with the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in Delhi. Following these discussions, and with the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the line’s inauguration was greenlit. BMRCL officials confirmed that a trial run will take place on Wednesday, with key state dignitaries, including the Deputy Chief Minister, present to witness this milestone. Although a formal inauguration is expected later, full commercial operations will start promptly at 5 am on 7 November, offering a much-needed alternative to Bengaluru’s notorious traffic bottlenecks.
The expanded Green Line aims to relieve peak-hour traffic with trains running at five-minute intervals, shifting to ten minutes during off-peak hours. This frequency is expected to alleviate congestion, particularly along Tumakuru Road, a route prone to heavy gridlock during public holidays and long weekends. With the upcoming line extension, residents and daily commuters anticipate a smoother journey, and urban mobility experts view this expansion as a pivotal move toward modernising the city’s transit infrastructure.
In addition to easing congestion, the Green Line expansion aligns with Bengaluru’s broader sustainable development goals. By encouraging metro usage over private vehicles, the line promises to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner air for the city’s residents. In a rapidly urbanising city facing serious air quality and environmental challenges, this development not only meets immediate transit needs but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable Bengaluru. As the metro network grows, it reflects a city ready to embrace a future where eco-friendly public transport becomes the norm, setting a precedent for other metropolitan regions in India.
