JOIN USBangaloreans can finally use Metro services between Sampige Road and Peenya from 6 am on March 1, 2014.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) will officially launch the services from Sampige Road to Peenya Industrial Area on February 28, though some work is yet to be completed at all 10 stations on this stretch.
The BMRCL is in a hurry to begin the services from Friday before the model code of conduct, which will come into force ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, hinders the launch.
The 10 stations on the 18-minute stretch are Sampige Road, Srirampura, Kuvempunagar, Rajajinagar, Mahalakshmi Layout, Soap Factory, Yeshwanthpur, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Area, Peenya and Peenya Industrial Area. A three-coach train will carry 975 passengers on each trip. Once the connectivity is completed, a six-coach train will ply at 80 kmph with over 1,200 passengers. Tickets will be priced at Rs 23. With a smart card, it will cost Rs 19.50 for 10 km.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Monday, BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Kharole admitted that some works were to be completed at the 10 stations. But, it will not affect commuters, he claimed.
He said in a futuristic arrangement, the Metro stations and tracks have been designed for six rake services, instead of the present three. On the Metro link to Majestic, Kharola said tunnelling work between Sampige Road and Bangalore Medical College will be completed by October. Later, other woks will commence. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy attributed the delay to re-tendering.