Namma Metro's Blue Line, which links the city to the Kempegowda International Airport, achieved a significant milestone last week with the installation of the first set of U-girders.

The U-girders were launched close to the Chikkajala region, stretching between piers A, AP 852 and AP 853, covering five stations along the route.

These girders represent the initial building blocks required before the tracks can be laid.

Phase 2A and 2B are the two phases along which the line is being constructed, with 2A currently under construction, connecting KR Puram and Central Silk Board, and 2B is expected to connect KR Puram to the airport.

Each phase is divided into various packages, and phase 2B consists of three such packages. The U-girders were put in place on a section of phase 2B near Chikkajala associated with package 3.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) stated that it anticipates that the completion of the Blue Line would take another three years, with a deadline set for June 2026, based on the existing rate of progress.

NCC Limited, the construction company contracted for phase 2B, has contracted for all three packages involving building work for 17 stations and viaducts.

In early 2023, NCC Limited was under scrutiny when a woman and a toddler were killed by an under-construction metro pillar that fell on them in HBR Layout in the Blue Line's 2B phase.

At that time, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai ordered a detailed investigation. Times of India reports indicate that expert advice on preventing such accidents from reoccurring has been sought.