Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line may finally see partial operations begin by mid-August, with the 7.5 km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere nearing the final stages of testing and regulatory approvals.
Trial runs conducted by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) were completed on 9 May, paving the way for the submission of its inspection report within the next few weeks.
Once the report is received, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is expected to seek mandatory approvals from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety and the Railway Board before commencing passenger operations.
Despite progress in system trials, several station-related works, depot preparations and staff deployment processes are still underway.
The corridor has already witnessed multiple deadline revisions over the years, with earlier targets set for September 2025, March 2026 and May 2026 being missed.
The newly delivered trainsets for the corridor have been supplied by BEML and are equipped for future driverless operations.
Five trains have already been delivered for the elevated section, while additional trainsets are expected before the full Pink Line corridor becomes operational.
The remaining 13.7 km underground section connecting Dairy Circle and Nagawara is currently expected to be completed by December 2026, although officials acknowledge that timelines could extend further depending on construction progress.
Like Bengaluru Metro's Yellow and Blue lines, the Pink Line will eventually operate using Communications-Based Train Control technology designed for fully automated driverless operations.
However, metro officials said train operators will initially remain onboard until the system stabilises and commuters become comfortable with unattended train operations.