Bengaluru Leaders Ride New Pink Line and Push for Local Granite

Minister Krishna Byre Gowda took the first ride on Bengaluru's newly opened Pink Line when commercial services started at six in the morning on Saturday, handing out pink roses to the passengers on board. He called the first trip smooth and flawless, noting that work will continue to extend the corridor to M.G. Road and further up to Nagawara. Later in the day, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar took a metro ride from Kalena Agrahara to S.G. Palya while heading toward the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Marking Children's Day, he spent time talking to children on the train and gathered feedback from other commuters about the new route.

Future Plans

The Chief Minister asked the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited to use local granite from Karnataka for metro stations rather than buying it from other states, stating this move will boost local businesses and create jobs in the stone industry. He also mentioned an earlier light-hearted moment from Friday's inauguration when Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his smart card to buy a metro ticket for him. Stressing unity on public works, he added that leaders should compete in politics but work together for national development.

Context

Expanding urban transit networks helps reduce road congestion and provides a reliable daily commute for millions of city residents. Metro projects are typically built in phases, with extensions opening gradually as construction and safety clearances are completed.