Will Mysuru get Metro? PM Modi's speech creates big buzz

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated two new sections of Bengaluru's (Namma Metro) Purple Line, the Kengeri-Challaghatta (2.05 km) and KR Pura-Baiyappanahalli (2.1 km) extensions on Friday (October 21).

Metro in Mysuru?

During the event, he hinted at the possibility of constructing a metro system in Mysuru which led to a buzz.

Modi pointed out the ongoing metro developments in various cities across India, including Uttar Pradesh, and insisted on the expanding metro networks in Karnataka, mentioning both Bengaluru and Mysuru.

The KR Pura-Baiyappanahalli extension played a vital role in connecting Baiyappanahalli to the rest of the Purple Line, including the recently inaugurated Whitefield extension.

Previously, this gap caused inconvenience to commuters, requiring a feeder bus service between Baiyappanahalli and KR Pura stations.

The newly opened sections bridged the geographical divide between the city's far east and west, extending the Purple Line's total length to 44 kilometers, from Whitefield to Challaghatta.

This expansion significantly alleviated traffic congestion along ITPL Main Road via Hoodi, reducing peak-hour congestion by approximately 20%.

Commuters welcome move

Commuters welcomed this relief as they experienced smoother travel.

Moreover, the impact on metro ridership was worth noting, with a surge in passengers reaching 6.8 lakh on October 9, up from the previous daily average of 6.5 lakh.

Daily ridership continues to rise steadily and now consistently exceeds the 7-lakh mark, approaching the anticipated goal of 7.5 lakh daily commuters set by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Vice-Chairperson of the State Institute for Transformation of Karnataka Rajeev Gowda, MLA ST Somashekar, and other dignitaries.