Bengaluru’s Blue Line of Namma Metro scheduled for completion by Dec. 2027

Work on the Namma Metro Blue line is under progress on Ballary Road, near Jakkur, in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit:
SUDHAKARA JAIN

The long-anticipated Blue Line of Namma Metro, officially known as the ORR–Airport Metro Line, is progressing steadily and is now scheduled for completion by December 2027. The line is divided into two key sections—Phase 2A, which runs from Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapura (K.R. Pura), and Phase 2B, which extends from K.R. Pura to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

According to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), once completed, the Blue Line will form a 58.19-km uninterrupted corridor connecting Silk Board Junction in the south with the airport in the north via K.R. Pura. Of the total stretch, 19.75 km falls under Phase 2A, while the 38.44-km airport link forms Phase 2B. As of June 30, 2025, officials confirmed that overall physical progress stood at 52.5%.

A senior BMRCL official said that the construction on the K.R. Pura–Airport section had gained speed now after facing a nine-month suspension in 2023, following an accident at HBR Layout.

“The two metro stations being built within the airport premises are also advancing well. The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) is developing these stations according to its own design plan. The Airport City station will be built at ground level, whereas the Airport Terminal station will be a semi-underground facility, positioned seven to eight metres below the surface,” the official said.

The Blue Line will also introduce driverless trains equipped with dedicated luggage racks and enhanced safety mechanisms, specifically catering to air travellers.

Decade-long journey

The project’s journey began nearly a decade ago. The detailed project report (DPR) for the Central Silk Board–K.R. Pura stretch was prepared by the BMRCL and submitted to the State government in October 2016. This Phase 2A proposal received Cabinet approval in March 2017. Similarly, the DPR for the Airport Line was finalised in September 2017 and secured government clearance in January 2019. The combined project cost of Phase 2A and 2B has been estimated at ₹14,788 crore.

Recently, newly appointed BMRCL Managing Director J. Ravishankar inspected the ongoing works along the airport stretch between KIA and Hebbal. His review covered viaduct construction, station development, and depot works at Shettigere. He also assessed crucial high-priority points such as railway crossings and cut-and-cover structures near the Indian Air Force premises.

“During the inspection, Mr. Ravishankar instructed engineers and contractors to strictly adhere to deadlines and ensure delivery of modern infrastructure with safety as the top priority,” an official said.

Once operational, the 58.19-km Blue Line will link Bengaluru’s southern, southeastern, eastern, and northern neighbourhoods directly to the airport, significantly improving connectivity across the city, according to the BMRCL officials.