Bengaluru, the hub of the Machine Tools sector of India, is taking a giant leap forward in urban infrastructure with the much-anticipated extension of Namma Metro’s Green Line from Nagasandra to Madavara. This development, spanning 3.7 kilometres and inaugurated on November 6, 2024, promises to transform access to the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), a hub for major industrial events, just in time for IMTEX 2025.
Going to the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) was always challenging when it started operations in 2007. This was particularly evident during the inaugural IMTEX held at the new exhibition centre built by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA). The lack of adequate public transportation made accessing BIEC a significant hurdle for visitors and exhibitors.
Fast forward 18 years, and the situation has finally improved. With the inauguration of the extended Namma Metro Green Line from Nagasandra to Madavara on November 6, 2024, visitors to IMTEX 2025 will now enjoy seamless metro connectivity to one of Bengaluru’s most critical industrial venues.
A Long-Awaited Solution for Better Access to BIEC
The extension of the metro line, spanning 3.7 kilometres and featuring three new stations—Manjunathnagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara—is a significant development in Bengaluru’s urban transportation landscape. Strategically located along the National Highway and crossing the NICE Road at two critical points, the elevated line provides direct metro access to key destinations, including the sprawling BIEC campus.
This extension is a game-changer for the thousands of visitors expected at IMTEX 2025, South and Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition for machine tools and manufacturing technologies. Organized by IMTMA, the event is scheduled to take place from January 23 to 29, 2025, and is set to host over 100,000 visitors, including international delegates. The new metro link ensures hassle-free connectivity to the venue, saving time and eliminating the logistical headaches of navigating Bengaluru’s notoriously busy roads.
The journey to this milestone, however, was not without challenges. Construction of the elevated line began in 2017, with an initial timeline of 27 months. The project faced numerous delays, spanning over seven years, and incurred a total cost of ₹1,168 crore, which included ₹152 crore for land acquisition. The contract for constructing the stations was awarded to Simplex Infrastructures Ltd, with civil works commencing in June 2017.
Despite the setbacks, the inauguration of this metro extension marks the final addition to Phase 1 under the broader Phase 2 development plan. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) nodded for the October 4, 2024 project, paving the way for operations to begin.
Enhanced Operations for Daily Commuters and Event Visitors
According to the press note released by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), trains from Madavara will run from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with a headway of 10 minutes between the Madavara and Nagasandra sections. The fare structure is designed to be commuter-friendly, with ticket prices ranging from ₹10 to ₹60. Other sections of the Green Line will continue to operate as per the existing schedule.
The addition of the Madavara station, situated adjacent to BIEC, is expected to benefit IMTEX attendees and residents of large housing complexes and surrounding towns. The connectivity boost supports both local and international visitors, especially those travelling from Kempegowda International Airport.
A Perfect Match for IMTEX 2025
As the flagship event for the machine tool industry, IMTEX has been instrumental in showcasing India’s growing manufacturing capabilities on a global stage. However, the lack of public transportation to BIEC often dampened the experience for exhibitors and attendees. With the new metro line now operational, IMTEX 2025 is set to be more accessible than ever, improving attendance and overall visitor satisfaction.
IMTMA President Ravi Raghavan has previously emphasized the importance of infrastructure development for the success of industry events like IMTEX. Adding metro connectivity is a step in the right direction, aligning with Bengaluru’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing and industrial hub. For IMTEX 2025, it symbolizes a new era of accessibility and ease, promising a smoother experience for visitors and exhibitors alike.
