Namma Metro Pink Line Delayed Again, Now Set for 2026 Phased Launch

Bengaluru: The long-awaited Namma Metro Pink Line has encountered yet another delay, pushing its opening further into the future. Initially expected to launch in 2020 and then postponed to December 2025, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has now revised its timeline once again. The project will be opened in two phases: the elevated corridor between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere (7.5 km) is now expected by March 2026, while the more complex underground stretch from Dairy Circle to Nagawara (13.8 km) is projected to be operational by September 2026.

What is the Pink Line?

Spanning a total of 21.3 kilometers, the Pink Line aims to provide vital north-south connectivity across Bengaluru, linking Kalena Agrahara in the south (Bannerghatta Road) to Nagawara on the Outer Ring Road in the north. Once operational, it will significantly reduce commute times and decongest several high-traffic zones in the city.

Reason Behind the Delay

The major hurdle has been the tunnelling work required for the underground section. According to BMRCL officials, Bengaluru’s challenging rocky terrain — filled with granite and dolerite boulders — has made excavation extremely difficult. A particularly problematic 2.2-kilometer stretch between Shivajinagar and Vellara Junction has been cited as one of the primary bottlenecks.

While civil construction and track installation are progressing steadily on the elevated section, the complexities of tunnelling have significantly slowed down overall progress.

Growing Frustration Among Commuters

The repeated postponements have led to mounting frustration among residents and daily commuters who were relying on the Pink Line to ease travel across the city. The delay continues to place additional pressure on Bengaluru’s already overstretched road infrastructure and existing metro lines.

List of Planned Stations on the Pink Line

Kalena Agrahara

Hulimavu

IIMB

JP Nagar 4th Phase

Jayadeva Hospital

Tavarekere

Dairy Circle

Lakkasandra

Langford Town

National Military School

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Shivaji Nagar

Cantonment

Pottery Town

Tannery Road

Venkateshpura

Kadugundanahalli

Nagawara

Despite the setbacks, the BMRCL maintains that efforts are underway to expedite the construction process and ensure a phased opening without compromising safety and structural integrity.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Bengaluru's infrastructure developments and metro expansion plans.