Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line Enters Electrification Trials On Elevated Stretch; Mid-2026 Launch Eyed

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has commenced third rail electrification testing on the Pink Line’s elevated section between Jayadeva and Tavarekere stations, Bangalore Mirror reported.

This essential phase, which involves powering the trains via a track-level electric rail, is the first of several tests required before passenger operations can begin.

Currently, the trial is restricted to the 7.5 km elevated portion of the 21.2 km line stretching from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara.

Civil work on the elevated section is already complete, and six stations — including Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIMB, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva Hospital, and Tavarekere are now gearing up for the next round of validations.

Third rail testing will be followed by signal system, telecommunication trials, and loading tests, all of which are expected to take about four months.

Post-testing, detailed safety documentation will be submitted to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), whose final approval is required before commercial operations commence.

The project is being executed in two phases.

While the elevated stretch is moving into its final testing stage, the underground portion from Dairy Circle to Nagawara, comprising 12 stations over 13.76 km is nearing 90 per cent completion.

To avoid delays like those seen with the Yellow Line, BMRCL has contracted BEML to supply 138 coaches, assembled into 23 six-car trains. Each coach will cost Rs 9.99 crore, with Rs 1.3 crore allocated for 15 years of maintenance.

Although the target for the elevated line’s launch is mid-2026, progress will depend heavily on the timely arrival and integration of the rolling stock.

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