Bengaluru, India – Commuters eagerly awaiting the extension of Bangalore Metro’s Purple Line from Challaghatta to Whitefield will need to exercise patience, as the project’s operational schedule is expected to be pushed back to October. The delay comes as the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) successfully conducted a meticulous safety inspection of the crucial 2-km missing link between KR Puram and Baiyappanahalli stations.
The Purple Line, an integral part of Namma Metro’s east-west corridor, serves as a vital transport artery connecting residents from the western parts of Bengaluru to the thriving IT parks and tech companies located in the east. The extension’s completion is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity and ease the daily commute for thousands of residents in the city.
The CMRS officials commenced their inspection from Benniganahalli station, strategically situated between KR Puram and Baiyappanahalli stations. During their comprehensive assessment, they examined various critical aspects, including station infrastructure, lifts, escalators, pump rooms, and fire suppression systems. Platform clearance, track conditions, and other key elements were also scrutinized during the safety inspection.
To ensure the utmost safety standards, officials inspected curves, the third rail system, and the open web girder bridge, among other essential installations. As part of the evaluation process, a special train was deployed for CMRS officials to travel between Baiyappanahalli and the Majestic metro station, simulating real-world passenger conditions.
Following the successful inspection of the KR Puram to Baiyappanahalli stretch, CMRS officials are now set to conduct a similar safety inspection between Kengeri and Challaghatta, which is also part of the extended Purple Line. This meticulous examination process ensures that the infrastructure and systems are compliant with safety standards and ready for passenger use.
While the delay in operationalizing the Purple Line extension may disappoint some commuters, it underscores the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation’s (BMRCL) commitment to prioritizing passenger safety. Once the safety inspections are completed and the extension is operational, BMRCL anticipates a significant increase in daily footfall, with the number of commuters expected to rise from 75,000 to nearly 1 lakh.
The Purple Line’s extension between Challaghatta and Whitefield holds immense promise for Bengaluru’s residents, promising improved connectivity, reduced commute times, and enhanced accessibility to key employment centers. As the safety inspections continue and the final touches are put in place, commuters can look forward to a more efficient and convenient metro service in the near future.
