First riders on Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Pink Line welcomed by Minister with pink roses

Commuters on board a train on the Namma Metro’s newly inaugurated Pink Line on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda took the first ride on the Pink Line when commercial services commenced at 6 a.m. on Saturday. He travelled on the first train and welcomed passengers by presenting them with pink roses.Describing the inaugural service as a smooth experience, Mr. Gowda said, “It was flawless and smooth. It was our privilege and pleasure to welcome each first rider with a pink rose. It was a great joy to share in the happiness and excitement of locals who took the first ride.”He added that efforts would continue to ensure the Pink Line becomes operational up to M.G. Road and subsequently Nagawara.Later in the afternoon, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar travelled on the Pink Line as part of his journey from Kengeri to the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. Mr. Shivakumar boarded the metro at Kalena Agrahara station and travelled up to S.G. Palya station. Marking Children’s Day, he interacted with children travelling on the train, exchanged greetings, and spoke to other passengers about their experiences and feedback on the newly opened corridor.‘Use local granite’The Chief Minister said he had asked Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited to use granite sourced from Karnataka for metro stations instead of procuring it from other States. This would support local industries and generate employment in stone-cutting and processing, he said.He also recalled a light-hearted exchange with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their metro ride, during the stretch’s inauguration on Friday, saying the latter bought his ticket by swiping his smart card. “I did not have money with me when we went to buy the metro ticket. So I told him, ‘You buy my ticket’. He swiped his card and bought my ticket too,” he said.Mr. Shivakumar said political differences should not affect cooperation on development. “Let us compete in politics, but cooperate on development. We have to work together in the interest of the country,” he said. Published - November 14, 2026 07:52 pm IST