Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Blue Line to KIA: Driverless trains to begin operations by Dec 2027

Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Blue Line to connect Central Silk Board to airport by December 2027.

The long-awaited Blue Line of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro, which will connect Central Silk Board Junction to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), is expected to be completed by December 2027.

This major corridor, spanning 58.19 kilometres, is being constructed in two phases. Phase 2A covers a 19.75-km stretch between Central Silk Board and Krishnarajapura (K R Pura), while Phase 2B extends 38.44 km from K R Pura to the airport.

According to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), civil construction on the Blue Line had reached 52.5% completion as of June 30, 2025.

Work on the airport-bound section has accelerated after a nine-month halt in 2023, which followed a fatal incident at HBR Layout.

Within the airport premises, two stations are being built by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) following its own architectural plans.

The Airport City station will be a ground-level facility, while the Airport Terminal station is being designed as a semi-underground structure, around seven to eight metres below the surface.

The Blue Line is set to feature state-of-the-art driverless trains, equipped with luggage racks and advanced safety systems, making it particularly suited for passengers heading to or coming from the airport.

The planning for this corridor began nearly a decade ago. The detailed project report (DPR) for the Central Silk Board-K R Pura stretch was submitted in October 2016 and approved by the State Cabinet in March 2017.

The DPR for the Airport Line was finalised in September 2017 and received government approval in January 2019. Combined, both phases are estimated to cost Rs 14,788 crore.

Recently, BMRCL’s new Managing Director, J Ravishankar, conducted an on-site review of the construction work along the airport corridor, from KIA to Hebbal.

He inspected the viaduct, ongoing station construction, and the upcoming depot at Shettigere, paying close attention to crucial elements like railway crossings and cut-and-cover structures near Indian Air Force land.

Officials noted that the review stressed the importance of timely completion, strict safety compliance, and creation of world-class infrastructure, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Once operational, the Blue Line will offer a direct metro connection from Bengaluru’s southern, eastern, and northern suburbs to the airport.