Trial runs on Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road Metro corridor, the Blue Line, are scheduled to begin in October 2026, the Bengaluru development minister said after a review with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited officials. He indicated that runs will cover KR Pura to Marathahalli and, if feasible, extend to HSR Layout, and instructed officials to monitor progress closely. Work at Marathahalli and Silk Board stations remains pending but has been directed to be expedited. The minister said the seven point five km elevated stretch of the Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere is expected to open by August 15, 2026, and a 13.7 km underground section from Tavarekere to Nagawara is slated for completion by March 2027. The Hebbal to Airport section of the Blue Line is targeted for June 2027, with the remaining Hebbal to KR Pura stretch planned for December 2027. He expressed concern that the Phase two B contractor appears to be lagging and urged BMRCL to accelerate work. As of the end of April, civil works on the entire Blue Line corridor were 71 per cent complete, with track plinth casting at 86.37 per cent in Package one and 79.23 per cent in Package two on the Central Silk Board to KR Pura section. Officials were told to resolve a track-laying gap around Marathahalli that could affect extension of trial runs towards HSR Layout. Site management on the Outer Ring Road has improved, with reduced occupation of road space and less construction debris, though congested stretches still need attention. The minister asked officials to minimise land acquisition and prevent debris from worsening the city’s waste challenges, and to address rainwater accumulation at work sites. Approval from the Centre is awaited for a proposed double-decker Metro corridor under Phase three covering 44.6 km, after which tendering would begin. Sources said BEML has delivered the first trainset for the Blue Line and another is expected by month end while depot and track work continue.