Metro Safety Test Leads To Temporary Service Disruptions; Controversy Surrounds Proposed Extension

A vital safety assessment on August 27th prompted temporary service suspensions on key stretches of the Bangalore Metro system, specifically affecting the Purple Line’s extension plans. The metro authorities conducted this safety test in preparation for implementing extension lines between K.R.Pura to Baiyappanahalli and Kengeri to Challaghat metro stations, crucial for enhancing the city’s metro network. Consequently, metro train services were temporarily halted between several stations. From 7 am to 1 pm on August 27, commuters experienced service suspension between Mysore Road Metro Station and Kengeri Metro Station, as well as Baiyappanahalli and Swami Vivekanandanda Road Metro Station, and Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Krishnarajapura Metro Station. However, commercial services resumed at 1 pm, ensuring the public could continue their journeys from Baiyappanahalli to Kengeri Metro Station, and from Krishnarajapura to Whitefield Metro Station until 11 pm as usual. Notably, the Green Line train service remained unaffected. In the midst of these developments, a notable controversy emerged. The Tamil Nadu government extended an invitation to prepare a study report, receiving in-principle approval from the central government for the expansion of the metro service from Bommanahalli to Hosur in Tamil Nadu. This move, however, met strong opposition from the Karnataka Vikas Ranga. The Karnataka Vikas Ranga vehemently criticized the central government’s decision, citing a lack of consultation with the Karnataka government. They highlighted historical neglect faced by Karnataka in various matters, including the Hogenakal project concerning the Cauvery issue. The proposed metro extension has sparked concerns about potential financial implications and its implications for the state’s interests. V. Ch. Channegowda, the president of Karnataka Vikas Ranga, emphasized that the state should not hastily agree to this inter-state metro project.