JOIN USNamma Metro's south line to open to public on June 18
Namma Metro’s Sampige Road-Yelachenahalli stretch (Green Line) will be open for public from June 18, Bengaluru Development Minister K J George informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
As members greeted the announcement by thumping the desks, George said President Pranab Mukherjee will
inaugurate Namma Metro’s Sampige Road-Yelachenahalli stretch (Green Line) on June 17. “The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has given his certificate, clearing the line for operations,” he added.
The CRS had previously told DH that he will approve commercial operations with some suggestions. When asked about the CRS report, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola said that the safety commissioner was satisfied with the work and suggested fixing minor problems.
“We have been told to address a minor seepage inside the station at Chickpet station, improve the ramp for physically challenged at one or two places, fix doors and a few other works. We will complete them by Saturday,” he said.
Kharola said the state government is yet to decide on the venue for inauguration.
The BMRCL has suggested three options, including the National College station and the Vidhana Soudha’s banquet hall.
Officials said the President is likely to inaugurate the stretch from the Vidhana Soudha through a video link.
Security aspects
“The security aspects will not allow the programme to be held in Metro stations,” they said. The Namma Metro ridership is expected to jump from the present 2.2 lakh to more than 5 lakh once the Sampige Road-Yelachenahalli stretch operationalises the entire Phase 1.
The BMRCL faces an uphill task of moving increasing number of passengers in 50 trains, each with three cars with a capacity of carrying 2,500 people. Kharola, however, said the Corporation will get two trains with six cars by December.
DH News Service
Extension of timings likely
BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola said the timings of Namma Metro can be extended till 11.30 pm. “There are, however, limitations. We need five or six hours for maintenance of trains as well as tracks. We will consider extending the deadline based on the demand,” he said.