Bommasandra-RV Road Metro line to be opened only by April-end

BENGALURU: The much-anticipated opening of the Namma Metro stretch between Bommasandra and RV Road, which was scheduled to happen in February, has now been put off to April next year. If the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls are announced by then, there could be further delay.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) had recently announced that the Bommasandra-RV Road line will be opened in February, However, now, says that the inauguration will be pushed to April-end as several works are yet to be completed.

The BMRCL headquarters in Bengaluru.

About 70 per cent of the work on the 19.15 km stretch of the yellow line has been completed and track laying and signalling work is currently going on. But, since it is planned to have driverless train on this line, more time will be needed for the technical work. Once everything is ready, BMRCL will write to the Rail Safety Commissioner to conduct an inspection, BMRCL officials pointed out.

Namma Metro chief public relations officer B L Yashavanth Chavan.

“We have set a target to complete all the work, including CMRS inspection, by April 24 and open the line for the public. The Nagasandra-Madawara line will also be opened at the same time. All civil works have been completed on the Bommasandra-RV Road line. The power systems are being readied and the signalling systems and trains will be tested”, said Namma Metro chief public relations officer B L Yashavanth Chavan.

The 19.15 km section will have 17 stations and BMRCL expects ridership to touch 10 lakh on the entire stretch of the yellow line once it is opened. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya had recently inspected the progress of work on the section and had asked the Metro authorities to expedite the work.