Updated on: 21 Jul 2026
BENGALURU: The launch of Bengaluru Metro’s Pink Line on the Bannerghatta Road corridor is likely to be delayed, with the 7.5-km elevated section now expected to open in late August or early September instead of the earlier August 15 target.
The deadline had been set by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. However, the project is still awaiting crucial signalling tests and mandatory safety clearances before passenger services can begin.
The elevated stretch, extending from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere, comprises six stations, including the key Jayadeva Hospital station, which will provide an interchange with the Yellow Line. Once operational, Bengaluru’s Metro network will expand to 103.6 km.
Most of the construction work has been completed, including civil works, track laying and finishing works. Six trains have also been delivered for operations on the new corridor. However, pending testing and certification have delayed the commissioning schedule.
The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has already completed important trials on the new trains. Oscillation tests were carried out to determine safe operating speeds, while Emergency Braking Distance tests evaluated braking performance. These trials were conducted between April 28 and May 9, and the Interim Speed Certificate (ISC) is expected to be issued shortly.
The major pending requirement is the Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) certificate for the signalling system. The assessment will be conducted by Bengaluru-based Jodova Technologies Pvt Ltd to verify the signalling network and its integration with other Metro systems.
The ISA will also evaluate critical safety features, including the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) systems. While ATP testing has been completed, validation of the ATO system is still underway to ensure trains can operate automatically, stop accurately and align correctly at station platforms.
According to sources, the signalling software is being upgraded before installation on the trains. Additional testing is scheduled between August 3 and 5, followed by the ISA assessment on August 5 and 6.
Once the ISA certificate is issued, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will apply to the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for the statutory safety inspection.
The CMRS will inspect not only the elevated corridor but also the Kothanur depot and facilities such as the washing plant, underframe water-jet cleaning system and train-lifting equipment.
The inspection is expected in the third week of August. If any deficiencies are identified, BMRCL will have to rectify them before receiving final approval, making a late August or early September launch more likely.
The elevated corridor is only one phase of the larger Pink Line project. The 13.75-km underground section between Dairy Circle and Nagawara is currently scheduled to become operational in March 2027.
For commuters along Bannerghatta Road, the elevated section remains the immediate priority, but with final testing and safety approvals still pending, meeting the August 15 deadline now appears unlikely.
