Bengaluru Metro: Safety inspection of Byappanahalli-KR Pura section on September 21
Bengaluru Metro: Safety inspection of Byappanahalli-KR Pura section on September 21
The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) is scheduled to conduct an inspection of the Byappanahalli-KR Pura section, spanning 2 kilometers, on September 21. This inspection holds significant importance for Metro passengers traveling to and from Whitefield in Bangalore.
According to Anjum Parwez, the Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), CMRS will evaluate the section on September 21. Following the inspection, it is expected to take another six to seven days to fulfill any conditions or requirements set by CMRS to ensure safety and operational readiness. As a result, BMRCL aims to commence passenger services on the Byappanahalli-KR Pura section starting from September 29.
The upcoming inspection of the Byappanahalli-KR Pura section represents a significant stride toward enhancing public transportation and connectivity for Metro commuters in the Whitefield area, offering them increased convenience and ease of travel.
While the CMRS inspection of the Byappanahalli-KR Pura section is scheduled for September 21, the inspection for the Kengeri-Challaghatta section has encountered a delay. Initially, BMRCL had intended to initiate operations on both sections simultaneously to provide comprehensive connectivity.
Regarding the status of the Kengeri-Challaghatta section, Anjum Parwez noted that they are actively working to secure an inspection date from CMRS. This underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring that these critical Metro rail sections meet safety and operational standards before becoming operational, contributing to the continued improvement of public transportation in Bengaluru.
A senior official from BMRCL provided additional insights, stating that commercial operations for the Byappanahalli-KR Pura section are anticipated to start either by the end of September or in the first week of October. The inaugural date will be finalized in coordination with the Central and state governments. The CMRS inspection for the Kengeri-Challaghatta section is expected to take place within the next 15 to 30 days, paving the way for its eventual opening to passengers.
These developments indicate the ongoing progress in expanding and improving the Bangalore Metro network, enhancing connectivity and public transportation options for residents and commuters in the region.
The upcoming CMRS inspection of the Byappanahalli-KR Pura section is a comprehensive evaluation process aimed at ensuring the safety and operational readiness of this critical metro rail section. During the inspection, CMRS will assess various elements, including lift and escalator facilities, pump rooms, fire suppression systems, platform clearance, track infrastructure, and the functionality of the third rail that powers the trains.
The inspection will also involve scrutinizing curves along the rail route, examining the open-web girder bridge, inspecting bearings, and thoroughly reviewing registers and documents. This rigorous inspection process serves as the final statutory certification requirement before the section can be opened to the public. Once both the Byappanahalli-KR Pura and Kengeri-Challaghatta sections are operational, the entire 44-kilometer Purple Line (Whitefield-Challaghatta) will be fully operational, greatly benefiting commuters in the region.
The completion of the missing link between KR Pura and Byappanahalli stations will have a significant positive impact on commuters, particularly tech professionals traveling to areas such as Mahadevapura, ITPB (International Tech Park Bangalore), and Kadugodi in Bengaluru.
According to officials from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the Metro journey from Challaghatta in West Bengaluru to Whitefield in East Bengaluru is expected to take approximately 76 minutes, with the end-to-end fare set at Rs 60. This improved connectivity is poised to enhance the convenience and efficiency of daily commuting for a large number of residents and workers in the region.
The launch of the Whitefield-Challaghatta corridor is anticipated to lead to an increase in Bengaluru Metro’s daily ridership, with expectations of it rising from the current 6.2 lakh passengers to 7 lakh passengers. This indicates the significant demand for enhanced public transportation options and the positive impact of expanded Metro services on the city’s mobility landscape.
