Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri told the media that around 1,049 km of metro rail and RRTS projects are under construction in several cities, and approximately 730 km of metro lines are operational in 18 various cities. Puri said that the metro line inauguration is a step towards facilitating quicker commute and smart mobility options in the city, speaking at the event on Sunday. He told the media that Bengaluru is one of the key engines of economic growth for the entire country, with a strong presence in biotechnology, information technology and applied science studies. Additionally, he said that the city accounts for nearly 38% of the total IT exports of the country. Basavaraj Bommai, Chief Minister of Karnataka, told the media that the state believes it would meet the challenges of building new urban centres with the central government's support and guidance and Nava Karnataka for Nava Bharat would help in making the vision of New India come true. It is expected that in 2021, the extended line will add 75,000 passengers. Each station is equipped with four elevators, LED lights and eight escalators. By March 2022, roof solar systems will also be installed, and energy-efficient LED lights have been provided at all six stations. All stations have entrances and exits that lead to the newly created residential street. Pick-up areas for taxis and cars and bus bays pick-up are also provided in the service streets. People can make use of the stations to cross the streets through unpaid areas. The fare would be Rs 56 to go to Kengeri from Baiyappanahalli, and Kengeri to the Silk Institute, the longest route, would be Rs 60. The time taken to travel from Byappanahalli to Kengeri is 52 minutes, and another extension from Kengeri to Challaghatta should be finished by March 2022. Image Source Also read: SC panel permits construction of Delhi-Alwar RRTS project Also read: Alstom starts manufacturing trains for Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor