Bengaluru: For many residents along Bannerghatta Road, the opening of Pink Line Metro marked the end of a nearly decade-long wait. Having watched the corridor take shape from their schooldays into adulthood, they finally got to experience the service Saturday morning as commercial operations between Kalena Agrahara and SG Palya began at 6am.Among the early passengers were Aditya and Yash, who said they were school students when Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) began construction. “We grew up watching the construction work on Bannerghatta Road. We were in school when the project began, and could take our first ride only after starting our careers,” Yash said.For Aditya, a Metro enthusiast, the line’s launch has also raised hopes of better citywide connectivity. “BMRCL should prioritise opening the remaining stretches of Pink Line and commissioning the Blue Line. Metro services will ease road congestion and encourage people to shift from private vehicles to public transport,” he said.College student Vibhor Mandal, meanwhile, said the journey brought back childhood memories. “I was in class 4 when construction began. I’m now in college. I came here out of curiosity, to experience the service after watching the work for so many years,” he said.Construction of Pink Line began in 2017, with completion initially scheduled for 2021-22. However, the project missed several deadlines, partly because the previous contractor, Simplex, failed to execute the work as per contractual terms.As services began Saturday, BMRCL security personnel welcomed passengers with smiles and roses. Greater Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda also travelled from Kalena Agrahara to SG Palya, interacting with commuters. Women dressed in pink added to the celebratory mood, while some parents brought their children along for the ride.A woman passenger said the new line had brought relief to residents who earlier depended on the Green and Yellow lines. “Our first ride on Pink Line will always remain special. We waited years for it to open, and it is now much closer to our residential areas,” she said.Byre Gowda said passengers were happy with the launch and officials had been instructed to ensure smooth operations. He added that Pink Line is expected to boost ridership on the Yellow Line, which connects to Electronics City. An additional train is to be deployed on Yellow Line this week to improve frequency.With the launch of Pink Line, Jayadeva Interchange station, connecting the Pink and Yellow lines, is now fully operational. However, commuters said transfers between the lines were challenging and sought better signage.7.5km in 10 minutesFor residents accustomed to Bannerghatta Road’s traffic congestion, the Metro offered an immediate glimpse of the difference it could make to daily commutes.Dinesh, who travelled on the new line, said the journey between Kalena Agrahara and SG Palya took just 10 minutes. “It takes around 40 minutes by road to cover the 4km from Kalena Agrahara to JP Nagar, where I work. The Metro has brought huge relief to residents here,” he said. Fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 30, depending on distance.Residents said they had endured years of pothole-ridden roads, dust and traffic diversions, particularly during the construction of Jayadeva Interchange station. The start of Metro services was therefore a welcome change after prolonged disruption and inconvenience.Opening tunnel sectionDespite celebrating the elevated stretch’s opening, many commuters said commissioning the underground section would bring greater benefits.Santosh M, a techie working on Outer Ring Road, said his journey between Kalena Agrahara and SG Palya took 10 minutes, compared with at least 45 minutes by road on weekdays. “But opening the remaining Pink Line section should be the priority. Extending services at least up to MG Road in the next few months would significantly increase ridership and help those travelling to the central business district and Whitefield. Good last-mile connectivity and proper footpaths around stations are also equally important,” he said.Another passenger, Krishna, said the underground section would considerably ease congestion on Bannerghatta Road. “Many are eagerly waiting for stations such as MG Road and Cantonment to open, as they will provide better connectivity and relief to commuters,” he said.Responding to these demands, Byre Gowda said govt was working towards commissioning the remaining stretch in 7-8 months.Bus info at stationFor the first time, BMRCL has introduced a passenger information system displaying onward bus services and their estimated arrival times. At SG Palya station, information on buses heading towards KR Market, Majestic and the international airport, among other destinations, was displayed. BMTC has already announced five dedicated feeder services to connect to Pink Line Metro.Chief minister DK Shivakumar travelled on the newly inaugurated Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to SG Palya on the first day of commercial operations. Marking Children’s Day, he interacted with children and commuters, seeking feedback on the new Metro service.
