Bengaluru: The 3.1-km Metro rail stretch from Nagasandra to Madavara has turned out to be a game-changer, delivering a faster and stress-free commute for many. With three new stations — Manjunath Nagar, Chikkabidrakallu and Madavara — and trains running every 6 to 10 minutes, travel has became more accessible for thousands.
When TOI visited Madavara station, happiness was visible. For many commuters, this expansion was more than just a new route; it was a complete shift in their daily routines. Chaitra C H, a 20-year-old college student from Madavara, shared her experience: "I boarded the Metro at Madavara at exactly 8.10am and by 8.25am, I was already at Peenya. Normally, this journey would take over 45 minutes by bus. I even managed to find a seat in the train. This new line cut my travel time down drastically, and now I can reach work on time, without the constant stress of traffic."
Kiran Mahavir, a tech professional from Maruti Layout, also said he could breathe a sigh of relief as earlier, the nearest station for him was Nagasandra, but it wasn't close enough for a convenient Metro travel. "I used the Madavara station to get to my workplace in Rajajinagar. I boarded at 8am and within 15 minutes, I was at my stop — a journey that usually takes at least 50 minutes by car in peak traffic. The entire process, from ticketing to boarding, was smooth and the frequent trains meant I didn't feel rushed. It's a huge relief and a massive time-saver for my daily commute," he said.
As the extended line opened today, senior citizens too are reaping its benefits. Hariharan Das, a retired govt employee from Makali, said, "I usually rely on my son to take me to doctor's appointments, but with this new Metro line, I decided to go on my own from Chikkabidrakallu. It was much faster than travelling by car, and I didn't feel uncomfortable. This Metro line gave me a sense of independence that I truly appreciate," he said.
TOI tested the new Metro line by travelling from Madavara to Whitefield (Kadugodi), completing the journey in just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Sriraj Krishnan, a tech professional from Bagalakunte, shared his excitement. "Usually, travelling to Whitefield is a 40-kilometre trip that takes me more than 3 hours during rush hour, so commuting was a real hassle. That's why I've been working remotely," he explained. "But with Metro, it's hassle-free, and I can start going to office regularly." An overwhelmed netizen tweeted: "40 km drive in just Rs 57 and in one hour max!!! Whitefield to Madavara. It is insane how efficient public transport can be!!"
BOX: MUGSHOTS
"For someone who frequently visits the Bangalore International Expo Centre (BIEC), it was always inconvenient to get off at Nagasandra and then take a bus to my destination. Not only was it time-consuming, but it was also exhausting, especially if there was no bus available — or worse, if the bus was overcrowded. With the extended Metro line, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy a much more comfortable, direct commute." – Ravi Keerti Gowda, a resident of Mysuru Road
"The experience at the Madavara station was very good, and it is maintained very well. However, there is a small inconvenience as BMTC buses stop a little further from the Metro station, requiring a short walk. It would be more convenient if BMTC buses could stop right at the Metro station." – Madhusudhan V, a resident of Madanayakanahalli