Quick Facts
- Opened
- 20 October 2011
- Operator
- Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL)
- Stations
- 73 (expanding)
- Lines
- 4 (Purple, Green, Yellow, Blue)
- Daily riders
- ~700,000
- Network
- 76.4 km
- Airport
- Kempegowda Airport via Yellow Line (2025)
- Payment
- Metro Smart Card, token, UPI
Namma Metro (meaning "Our Metro" in Kannada) is Bengaluru's metro rail system and the lifeline of India's Silicon Valley. Opened on 20 October 2011 on the Purple Line, it has grown to 73 stations across 4 lines and 76.4 km of track, with rapid expansion continuing.
The metro is operated by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and integrates with BMTC city buses and suburban rail. Bengaluru — home to India's largest tech ecosystem — has some of the world's worst urban traffic congestion, making the metro the preferred option for daily tech workers.
The Purple Line (Baiyappanahalli–Mysuru Road/Challaghatta) runs east-west through the city and passes through Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and central Bengaluru. The Green Line (Nagasandra–Silk Institute) runs north-south through Majestic (City Railway Station), and both lines intersect at Majestic (Kempegowda) station.
The Yellow Line (Phase 2) connecting Bommasandra to R.V. Road and Silk Institute is under advanced completion, and Phase 2B extends the Purple Line further. The Blue Line connecting Silk Institute to Hosahalli opened in 2024.
Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is now served by the Yellow Line Phase 2 extension — a direct metro connection from the airport to the city centre became available in 2025, significantly cutting the former 1-hour+ cab journey in traffic.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Metro Smart Card · Token (single-trip) · UPI (QR at machines) · Paytm · BMTC-Metro integrated card.
💡 The Metro Smart Card gives a 10% discount on all trips. It is available at any BMRCL customer care centre for ₹50 deposit + ₹50 minimum balance. Recharge via UPI at station machines.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge — flat distance-based fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Namma Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Namma Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Metro Smart Card, Token (single-trip), UPI (QR at machines), Paytm, BMTC-Metro integrated card.
💡 The Metro Smart Card gives a 10% discount on all trips. It is available at any BMRCL customer care centre for ₹50 deposit + ₹50 minimum balance. Recharge via UPI at station machines.
| Journey | Off-Peak (INR) | Peak (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 km | ₹10 | ₹10 |
| 2–4 km | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| 4–8 km | ₹30 | ₹30 |
| 8–14 km | ₹40 | ₹40 |
| 14–20 km | ₹50 | ₹50 |
| 20+ km | ₹60 | ₹60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Namma Metro now reach the airport?
Yes — the Yellow Line Phase 2 extension to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) opened in 2025. From Majestic (Kempegowda) to the airport is about 35–40 minutes, and from central Bengaluru (MG Road area) about 50 minutes. The metro eliminates the previously unavoidable traffic-dependent cab journey.
Which line is most useful for the IT corridor?
The Purple Line (east-west) passes through the tech corridor — Baiyappanahalli, Indiranagar, and Domlur are accessible. For Whitefield (another major IT cluster), the Purple Line terminus connects by bus. The Yellow Line serves Electronic City (via connections). The Outer Ring Road metro is in future planning.
How do I get from the airport to MG Road by Namma Metro?
Take the Yellow Line from the airport to its city-end terminus, then transfer or connect as needed. To MG Road: take Yellow Line to Majestic interchange, then Purple Line to MG Road (about 50 minutes total, ₹60 max fare).
What time does Namma Metro run?
Namma Metro operates from approximately 05:00 to 23:00. Last trains depart terminus stations around 22:30–23:00. BMTC night buses cover the city after metro hours.
Which station is closest to Lalbagh?
Lalbagh station on the Purple Line is directly adjacent to Lalbagh Botanical Garden — one of Bengaluru's most famous landmarks. It's a short walk from the Lalbagh West gate.
What is the nearest metro to Cubbon Park?
Cubbon Park station on the Purple Line is closest. For the Cubbon Park main entrance, Vidhana Soudha station (Green Line) is also within walking distance (about 700 metres from the High Court gate).
Does Namma Metro reach Whitefield?
Not directly as of 2026 — Whitefield is not on the current metro map. The Purple Line extended to Whitefield (Kadugodi) in 2023, so yes — it now reaches Whitefield. Check the latest BMRCL map for exact station names.
Can I travel on both Metro and BMTC bus with one card?
A combined BMTC-Metro card is under discussion but not fully implemented for all users as of 2026. Currently the Metro Smart Card works only on the metro. BMTC buses accept separate BMTC passes or cash.
Source: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.