How Bengaluru lost its No. 2 metro spot to Mumbai

Bengaluru’s Namma Metro has been overtaken by Mumbai Metro, losing its position as India’s second-largest metro system in terms of operational network length.

The Mumbai Metro network, with new corridors including Dahisar–Kashigaon and Line 2B, now exceeds 100 km, becoming the country’s second-largest after Delhi Metro.

Delhi Metro continues to lead with 416 km and 303 stations, maintaining a significant lead over both Mumbai and Bengaluru metros.

Bengaluru’s Namma Metro operates 96 km with 83 stations, including 19 km added to the Yellow Line in the past year.

Namma Metro started in 2011 with a 7-km stretch and expanded to roughly 89 km over 15 years, averaging 6 km of additions per year.

Mumbai Metro, which began in 2014, has quickly expanded and overtaken Bengaluru, highlighting differences in project pace and execution.

BMRCL has faced criticism for missing deadlines, including a three-year delay for the Yellow Line, causing longer train intervals and passenger inconvenience.

Due to construction delays and limited coaches, the Yellow Line currently runs at 9-minute intervals, with full operations expected after several months.

BMRCL plans a 7-km elevated Pink Line section from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere, with adequate coaches, aiming for partial opening by mid-2026.

The Blue Line stretch from Silk Board to KR Pura is expected in 2026, while the remaining section to the airport has been delayed to 2027, extending Bengaluru’s network to nearly 175 km. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)