By the end of October, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to undertake a test run on Namma Metro's Purple Line section between Baiyappanahalli and Whitefield.

The 15.25 km elevated line from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield has two reaches: R1A, which runs from Baiyappanahalli to Seetharama Palya for 8.67 km, and R1B, which runs from Seetharama Palya to Whitefield for 7.14 km.

Commercial operations must begin by December 2022, according to the BMRCL.

This extension will benefit thousands of commuters who spend over two hours in traffic every day to reach Whitefield or drive into the city from Whitefield.

Anjum Parwez, managing director, BMRCL, said, "Our officials are on the job to conduct the trial run. Prerequisite work for it has reached an advanced stage that includes traction, signalling, and other work. By mid-October, the Metro coach will be shifted to the new track. All the pending work will be carried out simultaneously," reports The Hindu.

The completed Baiyappanahalli-Whitefield stretch will also include stops at Mahadevapura, Garudacharpalya, Hoodi Junction, Seetharama Palya, Kundalahalli, Nallurhalli, Sri Sathya Sai Hospital, Pattandur Agrahara, Kadugodi, Channasandra and Whitefield.

People will be able to travel from Whitefield in the east of the city to Kengeri in the west once the complete Purple Line is operational.

From Mysuru Road Station to Kengeri, the extended Purple Line. is already operational. 

The BMRCL MD said, “we are ambitious about running the train to Whitefield. Due to incessant rain, work on the line, especially at Kadugodi depot, was delayed. We could not carry out traction and other work as expected. This depot is required to run the train on extended Purple Line. We are utilising all our resources to expedite the work,” added The Hindu report.

The 15.25-km Purple Line extension project has repeatedly faced delays due to legal wrangling between environmental and local authorities over relocating around 60 trees near Benniganahalli Lake.