Pink Line Metro Update: Trial Runs On, Clean-Up Drive Underway Ahead Of Launch

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 12:37 IST

With the engineering work largely completed, BMRCL has expanded its attention beyond tracks and stations. Trial runs are progressing at a steady pace.

The full Pink Line will run for 21.56 km from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, cutting across the city with 17 stations along the way. (Image: BEML)

Work is progressing along one of Bengaluru’s upcoming Metro corridors as authorities move into the final stages of preparation ahead of passenger services. With construction largely completed, attention has now shifted to inspections, trial runs, and on-ground readiness along the route, indicating that the project is approaching operational readiness.

According to officials, operations on the Namma Metro Pink Line are expected to begin by March this year. The line, which will connect Kalena Agrahara in south Bengaluru to Nagawara in the north, is among the city’s most anticipated Metro corridors.

With civil construction on elevated sections now complete, the focus has shifted to final checks, safety inspections, and readiness of stations and tracks.

Tackling Long-Standing Garbage Blackspots

One of the most visible changes along the Pink Line corridor is the large-scale removal of garbage that had accumulated under Metro pillars and on road medians. For months, several under-construction stretches had turned into informal dumping zones, particularly along the road between Vega City Mall and Gurappanapalya.

Mixed waste dumped by the public had not only created an eyesore but also raised health concerns for nearby residents. As part of the current drive, workers have cleared heaps of garbage, cleaned the surrounding areas, and restored the spaces beneath the Metro structures.

Focus Shifts Beyond Construction

With the engineering work largely completed, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has expanded its attention beyond tracks and stations. Trial runs are progressing at a steady pace, and alongside technical testing, officials are now concentrating on how the corridor looks and feels to the public.

The aim, officials say, is to ensure that the Pink Line does not open amid cluttered or neglected surroundings, a complaint often raised during earlier Metro expansions.

To prevent garbage from returning to cleared areas, authorities have begun installing barricades along medians and near Metro pillars. These barriers are intended to discourage pedestrians and motorists from casually discarding waste along the corridor.

Officials believe that physical deterrents, combined with regular monitoring, will help maintain cleanliness once the line becomes operational. The effort is also seen as a test case for managing public spaces under elevated Metro corridors across the city.

Cleaning Up the Metro’s Visual Identity

Another aspect of the ongoing work involves restoring the appearance of Metro pillars. Over time, many pillars had been covered with posters, stickers, and advertisements. These are now being removed as part of the beautification exercise.

The cleaned pillars and organised barricades are expected to give the Pink Line a more uniform and visually appealing look ahead of its inauguration, aligning with broader efforts to improve the city’s urban landscape.

What the Pink Line Means for Commuters

Stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, the Pink Line is expected to significantly ease travel across south and east Bengaluru once operational. By connecting residential hubs, commercial areas, and existing Metro lines, it is likely to reduce road congestion and shorten commute times for thousands of daily travellers.

With civil works completed on elevated sections and final preparations underway, the city is now waiting for official confirmation of the launch date. For many commuters, the sight of cleared roads, cleaned pillars, and active trial runs suggests that the long wait for the Pink Line may finally be nearing its end.

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