Bengaluru: After a decade of waiting, bumpy rides, endless delays and prolonged uncertainty, the Pink Line Metro was finally inaugurated partially Friday morning, offering residents of Bannerghatta Road a glimpse of relief from their daily commuting woes. The concrete viaducts, which had stood empty for over a year, finally came to life as trains began chugging along the much-anticipated stretch.For over a decade, commuters had navigated multiple junctions amid dust from Metro construction. Pillars stood surrounded by garbage, while construction debris piled up on footpaths and the pothole-ridden carriageway. TOI had repeatedly highlighted these issues and the hardships faced by motorists.The run-up to the inaugural journey, however, saw a festive atmosphere, with hundreds of people lining the road to catch a glimpse of the decked-up train carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister DK Shivakumar. Around SG Palya station, where the PM boarded the train, residents thronged the streets as convoys carrying top political figures passed by amid cheers.TOI spoke to residents and commuters to find out how the Pink Line would change their daily journeys. Here’s what they had to say:Gajan Naik | Basavanagudi residentI’m a freelance graphic designer, so I travel here and there for my work. But because of this Metro, connectivity will increase now and traffic will also come down. There’ll be no need for many people to plan an hour in advance to go somewhereVeena Basavaraj | commuterWe’ve waited a long time for this Metro line to open. Until now, the Metro only went as far as MG Road or JP Nagar 6th Phase, and for everything else we struggled with autos, bikes, our own cars or buses, even for short distances. Now the Metro is within walking distance. If I want to go to Vega City for some fun, I no longer have to wait, book a ride and pay high fares. I can just take the Metro. It will also help a lot of students in this areaBaby Shalini | JP Nagar residentThis Metro is helpful in this heavy traffic; if it is extended up to Bannerghatta, it will benefit more people. We usually get stuck near Vega City mall while commuting back from workAnasuya A | commuter to NS PalyaThere is heavy traffic during peak hours along this road; this Metro needs an extension southwards also. I was actually very excited to see the train running through the track; we were also expecting a roadshow from ModiSasikala V | Bilekahalli residentFrom morning, many people including me waited for 3-4 hours in the heat to catch a glimpse of Modiji; it has been my dream to meet him. The Metro opening brings a lot of joy to us residentsPallavi Ramnathkar | homemakerWhenever I go shopping near MG Road or in any other area, I usually have to take a taxi, because my nearest Metro station is 1.5-2km from me. But now, because of Pink Line, the Metro station is literally 200 metres from where I live. I can just walk there and then go anywhere else. This is really convenient for me. It will help me save a lot of money, and there’s no need to plan hours in advanceSirajsuresh S | retired bank employeeI’ve heard from friends that many IT people struggle when it comes to commuting in this part of the city… people always complain about expensive taxis. With Pink Line’s launch, such people will benefit; everyone can save a lot of money, and it will help with the traffic as well
