PM Modi takes a ride on the newly inaugurated Whitefield Metro Line in Bengaluru, Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Krishnarajapura – Whitefield Namma metro line, which could benefit thousands of IT professionals working in Bengaluru’s technology corridor.

The 13.71 km stretch is part of the extended Purple Line from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield (15.50 km) built under Phase II of the Namma Metro. According to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) officials, commercial operations will begin on Sunday morning.

Everything you need to know about the Krishnarajapura-Whitefield Metro Line
Amid fanfare, Mr. Modi arrived at the Whitefield (Kadugodi) metro station around 1:00 pm. and started the section. Later he took a train with school children, metro workers and staff from Whitefield to Sri Satya Sai Hospital and back.

The Prime Minister was also seen buying a ticket at Whitefield station before taking the train. He was accompanied by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

13 km in 23 minutes
With the operation of the new line, Bengaluru will have 69.66 km of metro network with 63 stations. The city will have the second largest functional metro network after Delhi.

At a project cost of ₹ 4,249 crore, the opening of the line will benefit five to six lakh people living in the area, according to BMRCL officials.

The line will have 12 stations. BMRCL will run five trains on the route at a frequency of 10 minutes and the travel time between two destinations will be 23 minutes.

The two kilometer line from Baiyappanahalli to Krishnarajapura is likely to be opened by the middle of the year. A new station — Benniganahalli (earlier known as Jyotipuram) will be opened between these two stations.