Purple and green balloons greeted those who got into the Sampige Road metro station, signalling the meeting of the two lines of Namma Metro on Saturday. A few curious and excited citizens were already waiting to board the first train.
Around 6.20 p.m., the first train towards south Bengaluru officially started its trip, with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) officials on it — many of them beaming with pride and clicking selfies by the dozen, as the rest of the staff watched the proceedings on a big screen in Vidhana Soudha.
Five minutes later, the second train made its move, with large contingents of media personnel, more BMRCL staff members, and a few metro users on board. Stopping at a few stations, skipping some others, it reached Yelachenahalli at 6.53 p.m. As the train made its way on the elevated tracks, the excitement of the people of south Bengaluru became evident when people from buildings in Banashankari waved at the train.
Eager first passengers who were waiting at the station were also visibly excited. 77-year-old SVS Rao, who managed to get on the second train that left the Sampige Road station, said, “This train will help me travel with ease. I can now get down at National College and walk to my bank,” he said. He used to travel by bus before. Saturday’s trip was a trial run.
B. Deendayal, an IT employee, boarded the train at the Kempegowda Station. A resident of Kengeri, he said he was excited to be part of the second ride of the new south line.
Earlier, at 5.36 p.m., the train was taken forward for a few meters and then reversed to its original position as operation and maintenance officials did last minute checks to ensure a smooth inaugural run. Over 70 security staff, including home guard police and private guards, were at the station.
