As Bengaluru prepares to ring in the New Year with celebrations across the city, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced extended metro services and increased train frequency to help commuters travel safely and conveniently on the night of December 31. Recognising the surge in late-night movement and the need to reduce dependence on private vehicles, the metro operator has put in place special arrangements across all major corridors.

The extended services will run well past midnight into the early hours of January 1, covering the Purple Line, Green Line, and Yellow Line. Along with longer operating hours, BMRCL has also announced tighter headways during peak late-night hours and issued advisories regarding station closures and ticketing to manage crowds more efficiently.

Extended Metro Services Across Corridors

According to BMRCL, metro trains on New Year’s Eve will continue operating significantly later than usual, allowing partygoers, night-shift workers, and late-night travellers to return home using public transport.

On the Purple Line, which connects Whitefield in the east to Challaghatta in the west, the final train services have been extended into the early morning. The last train from Whitefield towards Challaghatta will depart at 1.45 am, while the final service in the opposite direction—from Challaghatta to Whitefield—will leave at 2.00 am.

The Green Line, running between Madavara in the north and Silk Institute in the south, will also see extended operations. Trains on this corridor will run until 2.00 am from both ends, ensuring that commuters across the length of the city have access to metro services well after midnight.

The Yellow Line, which connects R.V. Road to Bommasandra, will have the longest extension among the three corridors. The last train from R.V. Road to Bommasandra will depart at 3.10 am, while the final service from Bommasandra to R.V. Road will leave at 1.30 am. This extended timing is expected to benefit commuters travelling to and from the city’s southern and industrial areas.

Special Arrangements at Majestic Interchange

Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station, Majestic, which serves as the main interchange for the Purple and Green Lines, will play a central role during the extended service period. BMRCL has announced that the last trains from Majestic towards all four directions—Whitefield and Challaghatta on the Purple Line, and Madavara and Silk Institute on the Green Line—will depart at 2.45 am.

This extended interchange timing is aimed at ensuring smoother transfers between lines for passengers travelling late at night, reducing the risk of missed connections and overcrowding.

Increased Train Frequency During Late-Night Hours

In addition to extending operating hours, BMRCL has also increased train frequency to handle the anticipated rush on New Year’s Eve. From 11.30 pm on December 31 until the end of the extended service period, trains on the Purple and Green Lines will operate at eight-minute intervals, significantly reducing waiting times for passengers.

On the Yellow Line, services will run at 15-minute intervals during the same late-night window. These shorter headways are expected to ease congestion on platforms and inside trains, especially in areas with high footfall due to celebrations.

MG Road Station Closure and Crowd Management

Given the traditionally heavy crowds in the central business district on New Year’s Eve, BMRCL has announced a temporary closure of MG Road Metro Station. The station will be closed for both entry and exit starting 10.00 pm on December 31.

However, metro trains will continue to pass through MG Road station without stopping. Passengers are advised to use nearby stations such as Trinity and Cubbon Park for boarding and deboarding. These stations are expected to absorb much of the diverted footfall from MG Road, and additional staff arrangements are likely to be in place to manage the crowd.

Ticketing Advisory for Late-Night Travellers

To prevent congestion at ticket counters during peak late-night hours, BMRCL has issued a specific advisory regarding ticket purchases. Token sales at Trinity and Cubbon Park stations will stop after 11.00 pm on New Year’s Eve.

Passengers planning to travel after this time are strongly advised to make advance arrangements. This includes purchasing return QR tickets earlier in the evening or ensuring that their smart cards have sufficient balance. These measures are intended to speed up entry and exit at stations and minimise delays caused by long queues at ticket counters.

A Focus on Safety and Convenience

BMRCL’s extended services and operational adjustments reflect a broader focus on safety, accessibility, and crowd control during one of the busiest nights of the year. By offering late-night metro connectivity, authorities aim to discourage drunk driving, reduce road congestion, and provide a reliable public transport option for thousands of commuters.

Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, keep track of the last train timings on their respective routes, and follow station-level instructions issued by metro staff and security personnel.

With extended hours, increased frequency, and clear travel advisories in place, Bengaluru Metro is set to play a crucial role in helping the city usher in the New Year smoothly and safely.