
Myanmar knocks on ASEAN's door again
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Listen to this article in summarized format Listen Loading... × × Subscribe to Unlock AI Briefing and Premium Content New Year Offer 24 Hours Left Subscribe Now Already a member? Sign In What's Included Exclusive Stories Daily ePaper Access Smart Market Tools Curated Investment Ideas Ad-lite Experience Subscription PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 7.5-km elevated section of Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line, taking the city's operational Metro network beyond the 100-km mark. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar accompanied the Prime Minister during the inauguration and joined him for a Metro ride from SG Palya to IIMB Metro Station. Before boarding the train, the two leaders were seen purchasing Metro tickets and interacting with each other at the station. They later jointly waved the green flag to formally launch the new stretch. — ANI (@ANI) The inauguration marks a major expansion of Namma Metro's network and is expected to improve connectivity across several parts of south Bengaluru. Sharing his thoughts after the event, DK Shivakumar said the Karnataka government remained committed to strengthening the city's public transport infrastructure. "A New Pink Path to a Better Connected Bengaluru. Glad to flag off the elevated stretch of Namma Metro’s Pink Line, along with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Governor Dr. Sudha Yadav. Hon’ble Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development Shri Krishna Byre Gowda and Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Tejasvi Surya were also present on the occasion," he said. The Chief Minister also shared details of the Metro journey with the Prime Minister. Live Events "Joined the Hon’ble Prime Minister and other dignitaries for a metro ride from SG Palya to IIMB Metro Station. Our government remains committed to expanding Bengaluru’s public transport infrastructure, strengthening metro connectivity and creating a more efficient, sustainable and commuter-friendly city. We will continue to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday mobility and enhances the quality of life of Bengalureans," he added. Bengaluru Metro Pink Line: Which stations are covered by the new stretch? The newly inaugurated elevated section covers 7.5 km and connects Kalena Agrahara to SG Palya, earlier known as Tavarekere. It has six stations: Kalena Agrahara Hulimavu Bilekahalli-IIMB (earlier IIMB) NS Palya-JP Nagar 4th Phase (earlier JP Nagar 4th Phase) Jayadeva Hospital SG Palya (earlier Tavarekere) The Centre recently approved the Karnataka government's proposal to rename three stations on this stretch. The changes were recommended following representations from local residents and a review by a state government committee. Why have three Bengaluru Metro Pink Line stations been renamed? The revised station names are intended to reflect the localities and revenue villages associated with their locations. IIMB Metro Station has been renamed Bilekahalli-IIMB, as Bilekahalli is the name of the revenue village in the area. Similarly, JP Nagar 4th Phase Metro Station will now be known as NS Palya-JP Nagar 4th Phase, with NS Palya reflecting the name of the revenue village. The earlier Tavarekere Metro Station has been renamed SG Palya (Sadduguntepalya). According to the government order, although Tavarekere is the name of the revenue village, it is located some distance from the station. SG Palya, the name of the Greater Bengaluru Authority ward, is more popularly associated with the area. Kalena Agrahara Metro Station will retain its existing name, as it is the name of the revenue village. No representations were received seeking changes to the names of Hulimavu and Jayadeva Metro stations. Bengaluru Metro network crosses 100-km mark With the addition of the 7.5-km elevated Pink Line section, Bengaluru's operational Metro network has increased from 96.1 km to 103.6 km. The milestone takes Bengaluru past the 100-km mark for the first time and makes it home to India's second-largest operational Metro network. BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Harish Dwivedi also highlighted the expansion while speaking to reporters. "It is our good fortune that our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, remains consistently committed to the holistic development of the entire nation... It is for this reason that a 7-kilometre stretch of the Metro is being inaugurated today. With the completion of this 7-kilometre section, the total length of the Metro network in Bengaluru will reach 100 kilometres. Furthermore, several other projects are being inaugurated or having their foundation stones laid by the Prime Minister," he said. Dwivedi added that the Centre remained committed to supporting Karnataka's development. "The Central Government remains committed to providing every possible initiative to foster the continued development of Karnataka," he said. When will Bengaluru Metro Pink Line commercial services begin? With the inauguration and flag-off completed on Friday, November 13, commercial passenger services on the newly opened elevated section are expected to begin on Saturday, November 14. The final Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) inspection, which is a key step before passenger operations, was completed on October 8, 2026. The safety clearance followed on October 28, 2026. Meanwhile, the underground section of the Pink Line is targeted for completion in 2027. Once operational, it will further expand connectivity across Bengaluru and strengthen the city's Metro network. Inputs from agencies Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Bengaluru Metro Pink Line Bengaluru Metro station names changed Bilekahalli IIMB Metro station NS Palya JP Nagar Metro station SG Palya Metro station PM Modi Bengaluru Metro Bengaluru Metro new route Pink Line Metro inauguration Bengaluru Metro 103.6 km Bengaluru Metro commercial services (Catch all the Business News , Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times .) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. ... more less (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel ) Read More News on Bengaluru Metro Pink Line Bengaluru Metro station names changed Bilekahalli IIMB Metro station NS Palya JP Nagar Metro station SG Palya Metro station PM Modi Bengaluru Metro Bengaluru Metro new route Pink Line Metro inauguration Bengaluru Metro 103.6 km Bengaluru Metro commercial services (Catch all the Business News , Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times .) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. ... more less