Bengaluru Metro: The much-awaited 3.7-kilometer extension of Bengaluru Metro's Green Line, connecting Nagasandra to Madavara is expected to start operations by the end of July. The completion of this small stretch comes after a delay of five years.

The extension includes three stations: Manjunath Nagar, Chikkabidarakallu (previously known as Jindal Nagar) and Madavara (BIEC). The project, costing Rs 298 crore, was initially scheduled to open in August 2019 but faced several challenges. Additionally, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) constructed approximately 3 kilometers of roads to provide access to Anchepalya village and its surrounding areas, as per the New Indian Express report.

ALSO READ:Bengaluru Bomb Scare: Threat Email Grips Multiple Hospitals; Declared Hoax By Police

The opening of this stretch will benefit numerous individuals who visit the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. It will also provide convenient transportation options for residents of Madanayakanahalli, Makali villages and Nelamangala, as the end station will be a mere 6 kilometers away.

M Maheshwar Rao, the Managing Director of BMRCL, stated, "The track works have recently been completed. We will conduct testing over the next couple of months, and operations are set to commence by the end of July."

An official from BMRCL mentioned that certain tasks, including painting work inside the stations, installation of granite stones, and system works such as electrical and signaling, are yet to be completed. "We aim to finish all of these by June. Following trial runs and inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, the line is expected to open by the end of July," the official added. They further assured that incorporating new coaches would not be an issue, as the existing Green Line trains need to serve three additional stations.

ALSO READ:Bengaluru Rain Diverts 9 Flights To Chennai, Triggers Waterlogging Across City; Check IMD Forecast

The project faced various challenges throughout its development. The most recent obstacle has been a shortage of labor since March, as workers left for different parts of the state to celebrate Holi, observe Ramzan, and participate in voting. An official expressed that the architectural work would have been completed by now if the workers had been available.