Bengaluru metro’s Pink Line to be opened by December 2025; Blue Line to KIA by 2026-OxBig News Network

Work on Ballari Road for the metro line to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

The much-awaited elevated section of the 21.26-km Pink Line of Namma Metro is slated for launch by December 2025, while the Blue Line to Kempegowda International Airport is expected to open in two phases by 2026.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials said the KIA Terminal–Hebbal section of the Blue Line is expected to open between June and September 2026, with the Hebbal–K.R. Pura section slated to follow a few months later in December.

“The construction of the Blue Line between KIA and Hebbal is progressing at a significantly faster pace compared to the Hebbal–K.R. Pura section. Recognising this, BMRCL has decided to prioritise opening this stretch first instead of waiting for the completion of the entire 38 km corridor,” a senior BMRCL official said.

Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) is expected to begin delivering trainsets for the Blue Line starting December 2025. According to officials, each train will have six coaches, with four equipped with luggage racks to accommodate airport-bound passengers.

Pink Line

On the other hand, Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line, connecting Kalena Agrahara (Gottigere) on Bannerghatta Road to Nagawara, is slated to open in 2025 and is likely to become operational in two phases, according to officials.

The first phase includes a 7.5-km elevated stretch from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere (Swagath Cross), expected to commence operations by September 2025. The second phase comprises a 13.8-km underground section from Dairy Circle to Nagawara, with completion targeted for June 2026, a senior BMRCL official said.

Officials added that BEML will supply the trains between June 2025 and December 2026. BEML secured a ₹3,177-crore rolling stock contract from BMRCL to provide 318 coaches for Bengaluru Metro’s Phase 2, including the Phase 2A and Phase 2B corridors. Of these, 96 coaches are allocated specifically for the Pink Line.

The Pink Line, connecting Bannerghatta Road in the south to Nagawara on the Outer Ring Road in the city’s north, has experienced substantial delays. The project has been hindered by various challenges, including tender cancellations due to inflated bids, alignment revisions requiring fresh approvals, land acquisition hurdles, and other unforeseen technical complications during the underground tunnelling work.