First riders on Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Pink Line welcomed by Minister with pink roses
CM asks BMRCL to use granite from the State for stations
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda was among the first to ride Bengaluru's Namma Metro Pink Line when it started commercial operations on Saturday at 6 a.m. He boarded the inaugural train and presented passengers with pink roses, describing the experience as "flawless and smooth." The minister expressed his delight in sharing the joy of locals who took the first ride. He also stated that efforts would continue to extend the Pink Line up to M.G. Road and later to Nagawara.
Later in the day, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar traveled on the Pink Line on a route from Kengeri to the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Boarding the metro at Kalena Agrahara station, he traveled up to S.G. Palya station. Marking Children's Day, Shivakumar interacted with children aboard the train, exchanged greetings, and listened to their feedback.
The chief minister also directed the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited to use locally sourced granite for metro stations, aiming to boost local industries and employment. During his journey, Shivakumar recalled a humorous moment during the inaugural ride with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Modi had bought his ticket using his smart card when the minister didn't have any money.
The chief minister emphasized the importance of cooperation over political differences, stating, "Let us compete in politics, but cooperate on development. We have to work together in the interest of the country."
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
