As the Namma Metro train slowly pulled into the underground Cubbon Park station around 4.45 p.m. on Thursday, officials heaved a sigh of relief.
After all, with the success of the first underground trial run, a major milestone was achieved in the Namma Metro project. Officials hope to complete Phase I of the project by December 31. The metro line from M.G. Road to Mysore Road, which includes Underground line 2 — from Cubbon Park to Magadi Road — and Reach 2 (west) line — from Magadi Road to Mysore Road —, is likely to start passenger services by November-end.
The train began its trial run at the M.G. Road station, entered the underground tunnel and made its first stop at Cubbon Park station.
The train would now be pulled through the underground stretch of the East–West corridor through a battery-operated bogie tractor and is likely to emerge at Magadi Road station by Sunday. The trial run for Reach 2 (west) line will take place next week. Underground tunnelling work on the North-South line, which is under progress, is also expected to be completed by November.
BMRCL, Managing Director, Pradeep Singh Kharola, said that passenger travel could not be started until work on the Kempegowda Interchange Station was completed. It is expected to be done by November.
