Namma Metro: Pink Line may miss September deadline as approvals remain pending

Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line's 7.5-km elevated section may miss its September opening deadline, as crucial regulatory approvals remain pending. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has yet to receive the rolling stock sanction from the Railway Board, which is a mandatory step before the corridor can be inspected for commercial operations.

State government officials remain hopeful of launching the corridor this month, but it can only commence after obtaining the rolling stock approval and final safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). After receiving the rolling stock sanction, BMRCL must submit an Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) signalling report to the CMRS, followed by a one to two-week inspection period.

The corridor would then need formal inauguration before passenger services can begin. However, BMRCL has not committed to a September opening without the necessary approvals.