Here is everything you need to know about 'world class' Namma Metro

The President to inaugurate the first phase of Namma Metro on June 18 Majestic Kempegowda Metro station will be the biggest metro station in Asia Mobile signals will be available in the Metro tunnel, separate cables are installed for this.

Countdown has begun for the most anticipated full -fledged Metro commuting service in the State Capital. President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate on June 17, facilitating 5 lakh commuters daily, in 50 trains, covering 42.30 km and earning revenue of expected Rs 1 crore per day. He will launch the Namma Metro at a grand function in front of Vidhana Soudha on Saturday 6 pm by pressing the remote button showing green signal for the commencement. But he will not take a ride in the Metro. The Chief Minister, Union and State Ministers will take a ride later.

 The current Namma Metro commuters in the Purple Line are 2 lakh. With the commencement of Green Line it is expected to increase to 5 lakh commuters, resulting in an increase of daily revenue from its current Rs 35 lakh to Rs 1 crore.  The Majestic Kempegowda Metro station will be the biggest in Asia. It will connect the Bengaluru north and south lines with east and west lines.

The Urban Development Minister KJ George inspected the Green and Purple lines on Sunday. Speaking to newspersons he said, the Namma Metro has proved to be a viable economic project and private firms and funding agencies have come forward to invest in the third and fourth phases. The route to connect to the Kempegowda International Airport through Nagawara has already been worked out. This will be taken up under Metro second phase B, he said.

 Permission has been granted for a speed of 80kmph, said Metro MD Pradeep Singh Kharola. Starting next Sunday, Metro Green Line will have one train at every 8 minute, consisting 3 bougies, carrying 975 commuters at a time. Trail runs will commence from today between Nagasandra and Sampige Road for commuters.  After two days commuters will be allowed on the entire stretch of Nagasandra to Yelachenahalli.

Currently no separate bogie is allotted for women. Separate women’s bogie will be introduced after the number of bogies is increased to 6, said Metro M D Pradeep Singh Kharola. The travel rates are expected to increase from the earlier planned rates after the inauguration, in view of the escalated project cost. The finalised rates will be announced after the inauguration, he said.

Mobile connectivity will be available in the Metro tunnel. Separate cables are installed for this purpose. Some of the Mobile service providers have already signed contracts with BMRCL, the rest are expected to sign shortly, Kharola said.