Namma metro begins construction on upgrades at kadugodi station

Namma Metro in Bengaluru has commenced construction on two major upgrades at the Kadugodi (Whitefield) station to enhance the frequency of trains on the crowded Purple Line and enable faster operations. This development comes after sustained criticism regarding the insufficient number of trains despite overcrowding on the line.

Senior officials from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) inspected the station and confirmed that the upgrades would significantly improve the city’s public transport infrastructure, benefiting daily commuters. The Purple Line, which runs from Challaghatta to Whitefield, spans 43.49 km. One of the key improvements involves extending the Shunting Neck, a side track on the viaduct, by an additional 40 meters. This will allow trains to make a U-turn directly at the station, eliminating the need for them to travel to the Whitefield depot, which is located some distance away.

 A senior BMRCL official explained that this extension would save time and improve operational efficiency, as the current setup requires trains to travel extra distance and take a turn before starting their new trip. However, due to safety concerns, trains cannot operate in a narrow space, as the full length of the train is 122 meters. The extended track will ensure that trains can safely make the turn at the station. Though the idea for this expansion was suggested earlier, construction work has only now begun, signaling a significant step toward improving the Purple Line’s service for commuters.