Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Bengaluru Metro Plans Phased Blue Line Operations Amid Delays
Bengaluru is building a metro route called the Blue Line to the airport.
The route is being constructed in different sections.
Officials may start running trains on sections that are finished instead of waiting for the whole route.
They hope to open the Central Silk Board–KR Puram and Hebbal–airport sections next year.
Another section, from KR Puram to Nagawara, is expected by the middle of 2027.
Near Hebbal and Kempapura, the builders want to make space for four metro tracks.
This is because a future Orange Line is planned to share that stretch.
Train services can begin only after the required safety approval is received.
BMRCL is considering opening completed Blue Line sections for commercial services next year.
The Blue Line connects Central Silk Board with Kempegowda International Airport and is being built in phases.
BMRCL plans four-track infrastructure between Hebbal and Kempapura for future Blue and Orange Line services.
The Orange Line still lacks Centre approval for its proposed double-decker configuration.
The Central Silk Board–KR Puram and Hebbal–airport sections are targeted for next year, while KR Puram–Nagawara is expected by mid-2027.
- Who
- The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited is planning the phased opening, subject to approval from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety.
- What
- BMRCL is considering commercial operations on completed sections of the Blue Line before the full 58-kilometre corridor is finished.
- When
- Some sections are targeted for completion and possible opening next year; the KR Puram–Nagawara section is expected by the middle of 2027.
- Where
- The Blue Line runs from Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport, with a planned shared stretch between Hebbal and Kempapura.
- Why
- Phased openings could reduce inconvenience and avoid delaying passenger services while additional four-track infrastructure is built for the future Orange Line.
Phased Opening
Complete Corridor First
Passenger access
Phased Opening
Opening finished stretches in phases could provide commuters with earlier metro services and avoid unnecessary delays.
Complete Corridor First
Waiting for the entire Blue Line could provide a fully connected corridor, but the article says this may inconvenience commuters and delay services.
Four-track construction
Phased Opening
Building four-track infrastructure now between Hebbal and Kempapura could prevent major reconstruction when the Orange Line is developed.
Complete Corridor First
The additional four-track work is contributing to delays in completing the full Blue Line, according to the article.
Future Orange Line
Phased Opening
Preparing the shared section in advance is intended to support the future Orange Line without dismantling and rebuilding infrastructure.
Complete Corridor First
The Orange Line has not yet received Centre approval for its double-decker configuration and is expected to take several years to construct.
- Project
- Blue Line of the Bengaluru Metro
- Total corridor
- 58 kilometres
- Planned airport route
- Central Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport
- Targeted sections next year
- Central Silk Board–KR Puram and Hebbal–airport
- Expected by mid-2027
- KR Puram–Nagawara
- Shared infrastructure
- A roughly one-kilometre four-track stretch between Hebbal and Kempapura
- Required approval
- Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety approval before commercial services begin