On board Bengaluru’s Pink Line: First-day excitement meets commuter scepticism

While the newly opened stretch offered a glimpse of the long-awaited metro connectivity along Bannerghatta Road, many commuters felt that its full potential would be realised only after the underground section becomes operational, connecting south Bengaluru with the Central Business District and northern parts of the city.

The first day of commercial operations on the elevated section of Namma Metro’s Pink Line on Saturday, November 14, saw a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism among commuters, with several passengers welcoming the new connectivity while questioning the usefulness of opening only a part of the corridor.

While the newly opened stretch offered a glimpse of the long-awaited metro connectivity along Bannerghatta Road, many commuters felt that its full potential would be realised only after the underground section becomes operational, connecting south Bengaluru with the Central Business District (CBD) and northern parts of the city.

As The Hindu took a ride on the Pink Line on its first day of commercial operations, several passengers on board had come with their families, particularly children, to experience the newly inaugurated metro service. With Saturday being a weekend, some passengers treated the journey as a family outing, taking selfies and exploring the new stations and trains rather than using the service solely for their commute.

The Pink Line, part of Namma Metro’s Phase 2 network, will connect Kalena Agrahara in south Bengaluru with Nagawara in the north. The 21.25-km corridor comprises a 7.5-km elevated section and a 13.76-km underground stretch. However, only the elevated portion, serving six stations along Bannerghatta Road, has been opened for commercial operations.

The newly introduced Pink Line trains, manufactured by BEML Limited, are equipped with several modern passenger amenities. The trains are driverless-capable and compatible with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology. Inside the coaches, passengers can access USB charging ports, ergonomically designed seating, and modern interiors. Upgraded passenger information display systems provide details of stations and upcoming stops, while improved emergency communication buttons are among the other noticeable features.

Mahesh Rao, a commuter from BTM Layout, travelled with his granddaughter to experience the new metro service. He took a ride between N.S. Palya and J.P. Nagar 4th Phase and Kalena Agrahara before returning.

“The ride was good. Everything is new, and it feels great to finally see this stretch open for the public. We have been watching the construction of this metro line for several years, and it is satisfying to see it become operational. I hope this stretch benefits many people and helps reduce traffic congestion in the area,” he said.

However, not all commuters were convinced about the immediate usefulness of the partial opening. Vinil S., a resident of Bilekahalli, said that although his first experience on the Pink Line was good, the initial enthusiasm among passengers might not necessarily translate into sustained ridership. “The government and BMRCL could have prioritised opening the entire corridor instead of operating only a part of it. Running trains on a limited stretch, without the larger network in place, may not attract the expected number of commuters and could result in underutilisation of resources,” he added.