As one of India’s rapidly growing cities, Bangalore’s modern infrastructure and transportation advancements have garnered attention. The Bangalore Metro’s Purple Line, spanning from Whitefield to Challaghatta, became fully operational on October 9, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transit infrastructure. This metro line has quickly become a preferred choice for daily commuters and tourists alike, revolutionizing urban travel.
About Purple Line Metro Bangalore: Whitefield to Challaghatta
The Purple Line is part of the Namma Metro system and features both elevated and underground stations, enhancing the convenience of commuting across Bangalore. Beginning in 2011 with 23 stations, the first phase of the metro featured 17 elevated stations, 5 underground stations, and one at grade. The completion of Phase II in October 2023 extended the line to 43.49 km, connecting 37 stations from Whitefield in the east to Challaghatta in the southwest.
Underground stations were constructed using the cut-and-cover method, measuring approximately 300 meters in length and 25 meters in width, with Majestic station serving as a larger interchange hub. Responding to commuter demand, toilets were installed at several stations, enhancing commuter experience, along with tactile tiles for the visually impaired.
Commuters can access the full Purple Line Metro route map by scanning QR codes available inside metro coaches, gaining instant access to station details, bus stand information, and interchange points.
Purple Line Metro Bangalore: Quick Facts
| Purple Line Metro | Phase I | Phase II | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 25.27 km | 17.86 km | 43.49 km |
| Type | 17 elevated, 5 underground, 1 at-grade | Elevated | Elevated, Underground, At-Grade |
| Number of Stations | 23 | 14 | 37 |
| Status | Operational | Operational | Fully Operational |
| Estimated Ridership | 4.07 lakh/day (2021) | 6.2 to 7 lakh/day | 7 lakh/day |
| Stretch | – Baiyyappanahalli to MG Road – Mysore Road to Magadi Road | – Mysore Road to Kengeri – Baiyappanahalli to KR Puram – Kengeri to Challaghatta | – Whitefield to Challaghatta |
Also read: Bangalore Metro Pink Line: Phases, Routemap & Latest Updates
Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Challaghatta Metro Route
◉ Whitefield (Kadugodi)
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◉ Hopefarm Channasandra
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◉ Kadugodi Tree Park
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◉ Pattanduru Agrahara
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◉ Sri Sathya Sai Hospital
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◉ Nallurhalli
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◉ Kundalahalli
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◉ Seetharamapalya
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◉ Hoodi
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◉ Garudacharpalya
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◉ Singayyanapalya
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◉ Krishnarajapura (K.R.Pura)
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◉ Benniganahalli
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◉ Baiyappanahalli
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◉ Swami Vivekananda Road
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◉ Indiranagar
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◉ Halasuru
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◉ Trinity
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◉ MG Road
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◉ Cubbon Park
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◉ Dr. BR. Ambedkar Station (Vidhana Soudha)
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◉ Sir M. Visveshwaraya Station (Central College)
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◉ Nadaprabhu Kempegowda station (Majestic)
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◉ City Railway station
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◉ Magadi Road
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◉ Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji Station (Hosahalli)
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◉ Vijayanagara
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◉ Attiguppe
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◉ Deepanjali Nagar
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◉ Mysuru Road
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◉ Pantharapalya (Nayandahalli)
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◉ Rajarajeshwari Nagar
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◉ Jnanabharathi
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◉ Pattanagere
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◉ Kengeri Bus Terminal
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◉ Kengeri
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◉ Challaghatta
Pruple Line Metro Route map:
source: Wikimedia
Whitefield to Challaghatta Metro: bangalore metro purple line
| Whitefield (Kadugodi) to Challaghatta first metro, last metro, distance | |
|---|---|
| First Metro | ⏱ 05:00 AM |
| Last Metro | ⏱ 11:00 PM |
| Travel Time | ⏱ 1:25:27 hh:mm:ss |
| Total Distance | ⛗ 47 KM |
| Total Stops | ◉ 37 Stations |
| Token Fare | ₹ 60 |
Whitefield-KR Puram Metro Corridor: Bangalore Metro Purple Line
The Whitefield-KR Puram corridor, part of Phase II of the Bangalore Metro, became operational on March 25, 2023. This new stretch has drastically cut down travel time between Whitefield and KR Puram to just 22 minutes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the corridor on March 25, 2023, and public operations began the following day. The maximum fare on this stretch is ₹35, with trains operating at intervals of 10 to 12 minutes.
Purple Line Metro Bangalore: Future Extensions and Phases
In Phase III, the Karnataka government announced plans to extend the Purple Line further, reaching Malur in Kolar district to the east and Bidadi in Ramanagara district to the west. This extension will enhance public transportation for thousands of daily commuters, addressing traffic congestion and reducing travel times.
Ridership Surge After Full Operation
Since the full operation of the Purple Line in October 2023, ridership has surged. By October 13, ridership exceeded 7.5 lakh, 50,000 more than just two days prior. With the rise in commuters, BMRCL has planned to reduce train intervals to every three minutes, once additional trains are operational.
Increased baggage screening machines have been installed at Benniganahalli and Pattandur Agrahara stations, streamlining passenger flow. Majestic Station has emerged as the busiest station with over 41,800 daily passengers, followed by Indiranagar with 29,700 passengers.
Real Estate Impact of the Purple Line Metro
The Purple Line’s extension has significantly impacted Bangalore’s real estate market. Property prices and rental rates in east Bangalore have increased by over 30% and 20%, respectively, within six months of metro expansion. Key areas such as Sarjapur Road have seen property prices soar, with multi-storey apartment rates jumping from ₹7,300 to ₹9,100 per square foot in just half a year.
Also read: Bangalore Metro Route: Gree, pink, yellow, Blue, Purple and Orange line, timings, stations 2024
Latest Developments on the Bangalore Purple Line Metro
Enhanced Services and QR Code Implementation
On July 6, 2024, BMRCL extended six trains that previously terminated at Garudacharpalya, allowing them to continue to Whitefield and Pattandur Agrahara, reducing the frequency between trains to 3.5 minutes. QR codes have been introduced within metro coaches, allowing commuters to view the entire Purple Line route map on their smartphones.
Contract for Line Extension
In March 2024, BMRCL awarded a ₹48.62 crore contract to M Venkata Rao Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. to extend the Purple Line from Whitefield station by 588 meters. This extension will facilitate smooth train reversals, improving operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The Bangalore Metro’s Purple Line, connecting Whitefield and Challaghatta, has transformed the city’s transport infrastructure. With its seamless connectivity, frequent services, and future expansion plans, the Purple Line is set to play an integral role in reducing traffic and improving daily commutes across Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Purple Line Metro Bangalore became fully operational on October 9, 2023.
The total length of the Purple Line Metro is 43.49 km.
The Purple Line has a total of 37 stations.
The estimated daily ridership is around 7 lakh passengers.
The main stretches are Whitefield to Challaghatta, Baiyyappanahalli to KR Puram, and Kengeri to Challaghatta.
Suggested Articles:
Bangalore Metro Pink Line: Phases, Routemap & Latest Updates
Bangalore Metro Phase 2: Complete Guide to Routes, Costs, stations & Expansion
Bangalore Metro Route: Gree, pink, yellow, Blue, Purple and Orange line, timings, stations 2024
