Bengaluru: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has commenced the critical process of energising the underground section of the Reach-6 corridor, specifically between Langford Town and Pottery Town. This significant step involves the activation of 33kV cables and the 750V DC third rail. As a result, BMRCL has issued a stern public warning, cautioning against unauthorised entry into these electrified zones, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of contact with live infrastructure.
The energisation of the underground Reach-6 corridor, stretching from Langford Town to Pottery Town, is slated to begin progressively from May 18. This work is a precursor to operationalising this segment of the metro network, which forms part of the Pink Line. The public has been emphatically advised to refrain from entering any underground metro sections within the affected areas without official authorisation, with BMRCL explicitly stating that contact with the live 750V DC third rail or 33kV cables could prove fatal.
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Infrastructure and Stations Affected
The underground stretch encompasses several key infrastructure points:
Traction substations and auxiliary substations located at:
Langford Town
Rashtriya Military School
M.G. Road
Shivajinagar
Cantonment Railway Station
Pottery Town
Project Context and Timeline
The Pink Line, formally known as Reach 6 of Phase 2, is a substantial undertaking.
It spans a total of 21.26 kilometres.
The underground segment alone covers 13.76 kilometres, from Dairy Circle to Nagawara.
The line is planned to have 18 stations, with 12 situated underground. These include stations like Dairy Circle, Lakkasandra, Langford Town, National Military School, MG Road, Shivajinagar, Cantonment Railway Station, Pottery Town, Tannery Road, Venkateshpura, Kadugondanahalli, and Nagawara.
Recent reports indicate that the overall construction and operational timelines for the Pink Line have faced adjustments. While earlier projections suggested trial runs in March 2026 and operations starting in May 2026, a subsequent report from October 2024 indicated a revised deadline of December 2026 for the Pink Line.
Construction Milestones
Progress on the underground sections has been noted.
Civil work at stations between Cantonment and Nagawara was reported as 65 per cent complete in September 2023.
The underground construction involves twin tunnels totalling approximately 21.9 km.
Multiple Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) have been deployed, with several having completed their tasks. The final TBM, 'Bhadra', commenced its final drive in April 2024.
The BMRCL's objective is to open the entire Pink Line simultaneously. The integration with the Purple Line at the MG Road station is also a key aspect, aiming for a seamless travel experience for commuters.
