Bengaluru’s Metro network will reach 175 km by 2027 & 225 km by 2030, says BMRCL MD

Bengaluru’s Metro network will expand from the current 96km to 175km by 2027, and further to 225km by the end of 2030, BMRCL Managing Director J Ravishankar said.

Speaking at the launch of Apollo Hospital’s dedicated Heart & Lung Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) unit in Seshadripuram, he said: “Namma Metro started in 2011 with a network of just 6.7 km. With Yellow Line (RV Road - Bommasandra) inaugurated in August 2025, we now operate 96 km. Next year, Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara - Nagawara), 7.5 km elevated and 13.5 km underground-about 21 km-will become operational. By the end of 2027, the Blue Line which connects Bengaluru airport will be ready.”

“By 2027, we will have roughly 175 km of Metro. Bengaluru, unfortunately, faces severe traffic congestion. Metro will go a long way in easing this, along with planned suburban railway projects,” he added.

Frequency to improve

Ravishankar highlighted the Metro’s role in medical emergencies. “BMRCL transported a donor heart in just 18 minutes from Yeshwantpur to Seshadripuram. We supported four other transplants this year, including two cases on October 30. Namma Metro plays a vital role in timely organ transportation for heart, lung or liver.”

“Across all stations and phases, the best-case scenario is a headway of four to six minutes, which will significantly help passengers,” he said.

Mulls skipping stations for organ transport 

The MD said BMRCL is exploring a 'zero-traffic corridor' concept for faster organ transport. “If trains could run without stopping at stations, transport time could reduce from 18 minutes to five to seven minutes. It may not be possible for public service, but we will explore it.”

A senior BMRCL official told Moneycontrol that skipping stations is operationally challenging. “It requires significant adjustments and could inconvenience passengers. While possible after operational hours or with empty trains, it can’t be done routinely on regular services,” the official said.

On service frequency, he said: “With new trains arriving- earlier delayed due to China import restrictions, now lifted- headways are expected to improve. The sixth train for the Yellow Line has reached Hebbagodi depot. We began the Yellow Line with 25-minute headways, now down to 15 minutes. With this sixth train, headway will reduce to 12 minutes by December.”

Apollo Hospitals launched its Heart & Lung Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Unit at Seshadripuram, enhancing specialised care in Karnataka. Dr Kumud Kumar Dhital said: “This launch allows us to deliver fully integrated, expert-led heart and lung transplant care for consistently safe outcomes.”

Dr Srinivas Rajagopala, lead, lung failure and transplant pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals, said: “The programme strengthens our ability to provide meticulous, protocol-driven pre- and post-transplant lung care.”

Dr Ravi Kumar, clinical lead, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist, said, “Systemised, multi-specialty coordination will help achieve more predictable outcomes for complex cardiopulmonary cases.”

Uday Davda, vice president, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, added, “The programme boosts Karnataka’s advanced transplant capabilities, ensuring specialised care is available closer to home.”

Akshay Oleti, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka region, said, “With a dedicated transplant unit and strong partnerships, we can deliver world-class cardiac and respiratory care to the region.”