Trial runs for the Green Line extension of the Bengaluru Metro have officially commenced. On August 18 morning, signal testing began along the 3.14-kilometre stretch between Nagasandra and Madavara. The existing Metro line, which currently runs from Silk Board to Nagasandra, is being extended to Madavara, near the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. Officials have confirmed that the initial trial runs on the Reach-35 line are taking place between Madavara and Nagasandra, with trains operating at speeds ranging from 3 to 35 km/h. Commercial operations on the extended route are expected to start by the end of October, with the Metro anticipated to be ready for public use by the third week of September. The Rs 2.98 billion extension project will undergo a final inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety, with trial operations continuing throughout October. This extension is expected to benefit commuters traveling between Tumakuru and Bengaluru, as well as residents in nearby areas such as Nelamangala, Makali, and Madanayakanahalli. Additionally, it is projected to reduce traffic congestion on Tumakuru Road. The new Madavara station will be situated after the Manjunath Nagar and Jindal stations, both of which are now complete. Although the project, which began in 2017, faced delays due to land acquisition issues, most construction was completed in 2023, and technical work has since progressed to the current trial runs. As part of the ongoing signalling tests for the Green Line extension, there will be adjustments to train timings and operations on specific days. Train services between Peenya Industry and Nagasandra Metro Stations will be suspended on August 20, 23, and 30, as well as September 6 and 11, for the entire day. On August 24, the last train service from Nagasandra to Peenya Industry Metro Stations will be at 10 p.m., instead of the usual 11:05 p.m., and on August 25, the first service from Nagasandra will start at 7 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. For the Peenya Industry to Silk Institute Metro Stations route, the last train on August 24 will run at 11:12 p.m., and the first train on August 25 will commence at 5 a.m. Metro services on the Purple Line will remain unaffected during this period, according to BMRCL officials. (ET)