Bengaluru Metro opens two new sections of Purple Line to Public

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): Bengaluru's eagerly awaited Purple Line, also known as the Whitefield-Challaghatta Metro corridor, commenced public operations on October 9. The 2.1-km Baiyappanahalli-KR Pura and 2.05-km Kengeri-Challaghatta sections are now open to the public, marking a significant milestone in the city's metro network.

These sections are integral parts of the Purple Line, which stretches from Whitefield in the east to Challaghatta in the west, covering a total distance of 42.85 km.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced that metro services will start at 5 a.m. from all terminal stations. The last train from Whitefield (Kadugodi) will depart at 10.45 pm, while the last train from other terminal stations will depart at 11.05 pm.

The metro journey from Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Challaghatta will take approximately 82 minutes, and it will encompass 37 metro stations along the route. According to BMRCL, the operational headway on the East-West Corridor will be as follows: Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Patandur Agrahara (10 minutes), Patandur Agrahara to Mysore Road (5 minutes), Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station - Majestic to MG Road (3 minutes) during morning peak hours, and Mysore Road to Challaghatta (10 minutes). During non-peak hours, the train will run at a frequency of 8-10 minutes, and during early morning hours, it will run at a frequency of 15 minutes.

The metro train journey from Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Challaghatta is expected to cost between ₹57 to ₹60, as reported by the media.

In an official statement, the BMRCL announced, "BMRCL wishes to inform the public regarding the opening of passenger services on the two sections between Krishnarajapura and Baiyappanahalli, a distance of 2.10 km with one station in between at Benniganahalli, and the other beyond Kengeri to Challaghatta, a distance of 2.05 km with effect from October 9." With these new sections in operation, the operational network of BMRCL will expand from 69.66 km to 73.81 km, featuring a total of 66 metro stations.

The opening of the Purple Line promises to significantly improve connectivity for commuters in Bengaluru, marking a major milestone in the city's metro expansion.