"Trial Run Commences for Bengaluru's Green Line Metro Extension"

The trial runs for the Green Line extension of the Bengaluru Metro have officially begun. On Sunday morning, signal testing commenced on the 3.14-kilometre stretch between Nagasandra and Madavara. This extension will extend the existing Metro line, which currently runs from Silk Board to Nagasandra, to Madavara, situated near the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

Initial trial runs on Reach-35, covering the segment from Madavara to Nagasandra, are taking place with trains operating at speeds between 3 and 35 km/h. Officials anticipate that commercial operations for the extended route will commence by the end of October, with the Metro expected to be open to the public by the third week of September.

The ₹298 crore extension project is set to undergo a final inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety, with trial operations continuing throughout October. The extension is expected to ease travel for commuters between Tumakuru and Bengaluru and benefit residents in nearby areas such as Nelamangala, Makali, and Madanayakanahalli. It is also anticipated to reduce traffic congestion on Tumakuru Road.

The Madavara station, located after Manjunath Nagar and Jindal stations, is now complete. Although the project, which began in 2017, experienced delays due to land acquisition issues, most construction was finished in 2023. Technical work has advanced, leading to the current trial runs.

As part of the signalling tests for the Green Line extension, there will be temporary changes to train timings and operations on specific dates. Services between Peenya Industry and Nagasandra Metro Stations will be suspended on August 20, 23, and 30, as well as September 6 and 11, for the entire day.

On August 24, the last train from Nagasandra to Peenya Industry will depart at 10 pm, instead of the usual 11:05 pm. On August 25, the first train from Nagasandra will start at 7 am, rather than 5 am. For the Peenya Industry to Silk Institute route, the last train on August 24 will be at 11:12 pm, and the first service on August 25 will begin at 5 am. Metro services on the Purple Line will remain unaffected during this period, according to BMRCL officials.

ET