CMRS approves opening of Nagasandra-Madavara section of Bangalore Metro Phase 2

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): After years of delays and setbacks, Bengaluru Metro's most anticipated section is finally set to begin commercial operations. The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for the Southern Circle granted approval for the Nagasandra-Madavara (Bangalore International Exhibition Centre) segment on October 4, 2023. This pivotal 3-kilometer extension of the Green Line marks a significant milestone for the city's public transport infrastructure.

This newly approved section runs from Nagasandra in the northwest to the Silk Institute in the south, featuring three elevated stations: Manjunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu (Jindal) and Madavara (BIEC). The CMRS, led by AM Choudhary, conducted a thorough statutory inspection on October 3, evaluating the section's safety and operational systems. Following this assessment, a six-page sanction letter was issued, paving the way for the introduction of commercial services.

The CMRS approval is conditional and includes a comprehensive list of requirements that must be met before the section can officially open. While trains in this section can operate at speeds of up to 80 km/h, a senior official from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) indicated that the opening date will be finalized after discussions with both Union and state governments. The section is anticipated to open within October.

The Nagasandra-Madavara extension has been notorious for its sluggish progress, being one of the slowest elevated Metro sections constructed in India. The construction of the 3 km stretch began in 2017, with an original completion target of 27 months, aiming for a mid-2019 finish. However, various challenges—ranging from land acquisition hurdles and financial difficulties faced by the contractor, Simplex Infrastructures Ltd, to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic—significantly delayed the project.

Once operational, this extension is expected to dramatically improve Metro connectivity for thousands of residents living in Bengaluru’s outskirts. It will facilitate easier access to key locations such as the Jindal Naturecure Institute and the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

BIEC is a prominent venue in north-west Bengaluru, sprawling across 57 acres and equipped with 77,200 square meters of indoor exhibition space, five halls, a conference center, food courts, and ample parking. Established by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), it has been a hub for numerous events since its inception in 2007.

Despite the new section's approval, Bengaluru Metro faces challenges, particularly regarding train availability. The existing coaches operating on other Metro lines will also service the Nagasandra-Madavara extension with six-car trains. However, due to a shortage of trains, this may result in reduced service frequency on the Green Line.

The completion of the Nagasandra-Madavara section is a significant step forward for Bengaluru's public transportation system, offering much-needed connectivity and accessibility to the growing population in the city’s outskirts. As the BMRCL finalizes preparations for the section’s opening, residents eagerly await improved transit options that will enhance their daily commutes and overall mobility in Bengaluru.