Bangalore:10/8/25: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of Bangalore Metro worth around Rs 7,160 crore and laid the foundation stone of Bangalore Metro Phase-3 project worth over Rs 15,610 crore in Bengaluru, Karnataka today. He also flagged off three Vande Bharat Express trains at KSR Railway Station, Bengaluru. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he remarked that upon setting foot on the land of Karnataka, he felt a sense of belonging. Highlighting the richness of Karnataka’s culture, the affection of its people, and the sweetness of the Kannada language, which deeply touches the heart, Shri Modi began by paying respects at the feet of Bengaluru’s presiding deity, Annamma Thayi. Recalling that centuries ago, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda laid the foundation of Bengaluru city, the Prime Minister noted that Kempegowda envisioned a city rooted in tradition while also reaching new heights of progress. “Bengaluru has always lived that spirit and preserved it, and today, Bengaluru is realizing that very dream”, stated the PM.
“Today, Bengaluru is emerging as a city that has become a symbol of New India’s rise”, stated Shri Modi, describing it as a city whose soul embodies philosophical wisdom and whose actions reflect technological expertise. He highlighted that Bengaluru is a city which has proudly placed India on the global IT map, crediting the success story of Bengaluru to the hard work and talent of its people.
Emphasising that India’s achievements are soaring not just on land but also in the skies, the Prime Minister highlighted that in 2014, India had only 74 airports, and today, the number has increased to over 160. He also pointed out the remarkable progress in waterway infrastructure, stating that in 2014, only three national waterways were operational; this number has now risen to thirty.
Discussing the significant leap made by India in the health and education sectors, Shri Modi highlighted that until 2014, the country had only 7 AIIMS and 387 medical colleges, while today, 22 AIIMS and 704 medical colleges are serving the people. The Prime Minister stated that in the past 11 years, over one lakh new medical seats have been added across the country. He emphasized the impact of this expansion, noting how middle-class children have greatly benefited from the increased opportunities. Shri Modi further highlighted that in the last 11 years, the number of IITs has increased from 16 to 23, IIITs from 9 to 25, and IIMs from 13 to 21. He stated that today, students have access to significantly more opportunities in higher education.
Affirming that today, as the nation progresses rapidly, the lives of the poor and marginalized are transforming at the same pace, the Prime Minister highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 4 crore pucca houses have been provided. He announced that the government is now set to construct 3 crore more houses. Shri Modi remarked that in just 11 years, more than 12 crore toilets have been built across the country. He emphasized that this initiative has granted dignity, cleanliness, and safety to crores of mothers and sisters.
“The rapid pace of development in the country is strongly driven by India’s economic growth”, underlined Shri Modi, highlighting that before 2014, India’s total exports had reached only $468 billion whereas today, that figure has risen to $824 billion. The Prime Minister remarked that earlier, India used to import mobile phones, but now, the country is among the top five exporters of mobile handsets. He noted that Bengaluru has played a significant role in this transformation. Shri Modi further highlighted that before 2014, India’s electronics exports stood at approximately $6 billion, which has now increased to nearly $38 billion.
Highlighting that eleven years ago, India’s automobile exports stood at approximately $16 billion, the Prime Minister cited that today, that figure has more than doubled, making India the fourth-largest automobile exporter globally. He stated that these achievements strengthen the resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and affirmed that together, the nation will move forward and build a developed India.
Shri Modi stated that whether it is the central government or state governments, all are committed to serving the people, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to improve the lives of citizens. He highlighted that a key responsibility in this direction is the implementation of new reforms. The Prime Minister noted that over the past decade, the central government has consistently advanced reforms. As an example, he cited the passage of the Jan Vishwas Bill to decriminalize laws, and announced that Jan Vishwas 2.0 is also being introduced.
Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, Union Ministers Shri Manohar Lal, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shri V. Somanna, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Yellow line from RV Road (Ragigudda) to Bommasandra of Bangalore Metro Phase-2 project, having a route length of over 19 km with 16 stations worth around Rs 7,160 crore. With the opening of this yellow line, the operational metro network in Bengaluru will increase to over 96 km serving a large population in the region.
Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Bangalore Metro Phase-3 project worth over Rs 15,610 crore. The total route length of the project will be more than 44 km with 31 elevated stations. This infrastructure project will address the growing transportation needs of the city, catering to residential, industrial, commercial, and educational areas.
Prime Minister also flagged off 3 Vande Bharat Express trains from Bengaluru. It includes trains from Bengaluru to Belagavi, Amritsar to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur (Ajni) to Pune. These high-speed trains will significantly enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and provide a world-class travel experience to the passengers.