Bangalore, 02 Sep 2011: The first line of Bangalore Metro is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by September 25, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said today.
Gowda said a railway team is coming here on September 6 and would conduct inspection till September 9, after which safety certification is expected to be given within 3-4 days.
The first line of Bangalore Metro from Baiyappanahalli to Mahatma Gandhi Road (also called Reach-1), about seven km long, is ready to commence commercial operation. The final stage of safety certification is the only pending requirement.
The Chief Minister was speaking after launching "Namma Metro" travel card, as well as its online purchase besides top-up facility (akin to pre-paid mobile top-ups) through Airtel retail outlets and Namma Metro’s toll-free helpline number (1800 425 12345).
Officials of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited said the travel cards would be available at stations for undertaking multiple journeys providing benefit of discounted fares in the form of stored value tickets and trip tickets.