Namma Metro’s Pink Line tunnel work progresses, promises smooth travel

Namma Metro, the pride of Bengaluru, has been facing public criticism over fare hikes, but it has also offered a ray of hope for commuters with the much-anticipated Pink Line set to open within the next year or two. The Pink Line, stretching from Gottigere to Nagawara, covers a distance of 21 km, with 13 km of it being underground. The line will have a total of 18 stations, including 12 underground and 6 elevated stations.

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Currently, significant underground construction work is underway, with the route being built at an estimated cost of ₹12,000 crores. Recent reports have shown images of the ongoing tunnel work at a depth of approximately 60 feet. Officials conducted an inspection of the tunnel section between MG Road and Shivajinagar Metro Station, which is part of the key underground section of the Pink Line.

A total of 9 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have been deployed for the tunneling process. These machines have been lowered into the ground to excavate the tunnels, and, as of now, all 9 TBMs have successfully completed their tunneling operations. This follows the earlier use of TBMs for the Green and Purple Lines, where 6 machines were used for similar underground work.

The completion of the Pink Line’s underground work promises to ease commuting for many in the city, enhancing Namma Metro’s reach and improving Bengaluru’s public transport network.