Bengaluru: Bengaluru's Namma Metro is set to cross the 100-km milestone with the inauguration of the 7.5-km elevated section of the Pink Line, adding six new stations to the city's operational metro network. The expansion will increase the network's length from 96.1 km to 103.6 km, making Bengaluru home to India's second-longest operational metro network after Delhi, according to reports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new section on November 13, while passenger services are scheduled to begin at 6 am on November 14. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 3,470 crore, the elevated corridor will connect Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere through six stations along the Bannerghatta Road stretch. The expansion is significant not just because of the additional kilometres of track but also because it brings metro connectivity closer to residential neighbourhoods, educational institutions, hospitals and commercial areas in south Bengaluru. The Pink Line is expected to make daily commuting easier for people travelling through Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, Bilekahalli, JP Nagar and surrounding localities. Bengaluru Metro expansion: Network grows from 96.1 km to 103.6 km With the addition of the elevated Pink Line section, Bengaluru's operational metro network will expand by approximately 7.8 per cent, crossing the 100-km mark for the first time. Before the launch, Namma Metro operated three lines, the Purple, Green and Yellow lines, covering approximately 96.1 km. The network had around 83 stations. The six additional stations will take the total to approximately 89 stations, subject to how interchange stations are counted. The new stretch increases the existing operational network by approximately 7.8%. The expansion also strengthens Bengaluru's position among India's major metro cities. At 103.6 km, it will rank behind Delhi and ahead of Mumbai in operational metro length. Which areas will benefit from the new Pink Line stations? The new elevated corridor runs through important residential and institutional areas in south Bengaluru. It will add six stations to the network: Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIMB, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva Hospital and Tavarekere. The stations are expected to improve access to Bannerghatta Road, Hulimavu, Bilekahalli, JP Nagar and nearby residential pockets. The IIM Bangalore station will also improve access to the educational institution and surrounding areas, while Jayadeva Hospital station will serve as an important interchange point. One of the biggest advantages will be the connection with the Yellow Line at Jayadeva Hospital. This will allow passengers to switch corridors and travel towards Electronic City, HSR Layout and other parts of south Bengaluru without relying entirely on road transport. However, the Pink Line's connection with the Purple Line at MG Road and its eventual connection with the Blue Line at Nagawara are part of the full corridor's future connectivity. These links will not become operational with the opening of the six-station elevated section. How many people will benefit? What the ridership figures indicate The expansion is expected to benefit commuters living and working in south Bengaluru, particularly those travelling along Bannerghatta Road and areas surrounding the six new stations.