Bengaluru’s tech workers can commute to Whitefield by metro from Monday

Thousands of technology workers employed in the tech hubs of Mahadevapura and Whitefield can use Namma Metro from Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the state government to open the two sections on the purple line immediately.

Though ready for commercial operations, the Bangalore Metro Rail Operations (BMRCL) had been waiting for a date from ministers to formally kick off operations on the 2.1-km Baiyappanahalli-KR Puram and 2.05-km Challaghatta-Kengeri sections.

Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield will have 14 stations, most of which are located around the tech corridors. Monday's launch will help people have a seamless commute on the entire 43-km stretch.


A letter from the Union Urban Development Ministry to the state government on Sunday conveyed approval for immediate launch of operations. “The two sections are vital from the perspective of commuters of Bengaluru as both the sections will provide seamless connectivity from the East to West part of Bengaluru City,” the letter said. The letter also conveyed that the PM will formally open the two sections in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in two weeks.

The Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) had cleared the two sections for operations in September last week.

Lok Sabha members from Bengaluru DV Sadananda Gowda, PC Mohan and Tejasvi Surya thanked the PM for the green signal. “This is another demonstration of cutting down VIP culture in the country and placing public interest on top priority,” they said in a statement.

In a post on social media platform X, Mohan said the Congress regime had delayed the opening of the purple line despite CMRS clearance on September 25. In contrast, the union government received the request on October 5, and approved operations in just two working days. “The difference between the Congress Govt and Modi Govt is clear.”