Trial run for new metro stretch takes place without hitch

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The trial run for the two kilometre-long Byappanahalli to KR Puram stretch of the Purple Line began at 5 pm on Wednesday, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) disclosed.

It was a six coach train which reached a maximum speed of 15 kilometres as monsoon showers pounded the city.

Apart from speed, the tests included track alignment, civil interface and other technicalities. Regular operations between Byappanahalli and KR Puram may start at the end of August.

The Purple Line originally comprised Nayandanahalli on Mysore Road in the west of the city to Baiyappanahalli on the eastern extremities of Bengaluru.

In March this year – mere months before the Assembly elections – PM Modi launched the Whitefield to KR Puram stretch, a part of the Purple Line. The Baiyappanahalli to KR Puram line essentially connects the entirety of the line.

Jyotipuram is the only station that falls between Baiyappanahalli and KR Puram.