In a welcome move for Bengaluru's revellers, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced extended services for New Year's Eve. The metro will run longer to accommodate the large number of people expected to celebrate across the city on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Extended Timings for Purple and Green Lines
The extended operations will cover both the Purple Line and the Green Line. According to the official announcement, the last metro trains will depart from the terminal stations at 1:30 AM on January 1, 2025. This is a significant extension beyond the usual schedule, providing a safe and reliable public transport option for citizens returning home after midnight celebrations.
For passengers planning their journey, it is crucial to note the departure times from key terminal stations. On the Purple Line, the final train will leave Whitefield (Kadugodi) towards Challaghatta at 1:30 AM. Similarly, in the opposite direction, the last service from Challaghatta to Whitefield will also depart at 1:30 AM.
Green Line Schedule for New Year's Night
The Green Line will follow the same extended schedule. The last metro train from Nagasandra to Silk Institute station will start its journey at 1:30 AM. Concurrently, the final train from Silk Institute towards Nagasandra will also depart at 1:30 AM.
This coordinated timing ensures that both major corridors of the Namma Metro network remain operational simultaneously, facilitating seamless connectivity across the city during the festive night.
Planning Your Journey and Important Considerations
While the extended service is a boon for commuters, the BMRCL has advised passengers to plan their trips carefully. It is expected that stations in central and popular celebration hubs like MG Road, Trinity, Indiranagar, and Majestic will experience very high footfall.
Passengers are encouraged to:
- Purchase return journey tokens or use smart cards in advance to avoid long queues at ticket counters late at night.
- Keep extra time for security checks, which might be more stringent due to the large crowds.
- Be aware of the last train timings from their respective stations to avoid being stranded.
The decision to extend metro hours underscores BMRCL's commitment to public service and safety. By providing an efficient mass transit option, the corporation aims to reduce road congestion and discourage drunk driving on a night known for heightened road risks.
This initiative is part of a growing trend where metro authorities in major Indian cities extend services on festive occasions. For Bengaluru, a city that often grapples with night-time mobility challenges, this move is likely to be widely appreciated by its residents, making the New Year's Eve celebration safer and more accessible for all.
