PM Modi Hails Namma Metro Pink Line for Developed Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday marked a significant milestone in India's infrastructure journey by inaugurating the Namma Metro Pink Line in Bengaluru. Highlighting the profound impact of public transport, the Prime Minister stated that better connectivity is a cornerstone for progress, creating new avenues for employment and industrial growth across the country.

During the event, PM Modi connected the project to the larger vision of a Viksit Bharat. He noted that when developmental opportunities reach every section of society, the fight against poverty becomes much stronger, citing that nearly 50 crore citizens have emerged from extreme poverty in recent years. The new metro line is expected to strengthen Bengaluru's identity as a global tech city by providing seamless access to major business, technology, and commercial centers.

Boosting Urban and Rail Connectivity

The Pink Line will also serve as a vital link for numerous educational institutions, helping commuters save significant time and money. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar joined the inauguration, praising the dedication of the engineers and workers involved. He revealed an ambitious roadmap for the state, noting that while 103 kilometers of metro rail are already operational, the government aims to expand the network to at least 500 kilometers.

In a further boost to regional connectivity, the Prime Minister also flagged off the new Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express. This service will strengthen rail links between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka, and Goa, with stops at key locations including Hassan, Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar. The introduction of this service is supported by the electrification of the Sakleshwar-Subramanya Road route, which will reduce dependency on diesel and enhance economic efficiency. Regular operations for the new Vande Bharat service are set to commence on November 15.