Bangalore News Jan 2026: Metro 200km Plan, Weekend Power Cuts & Airport Rules

Bengaluru: The start of 2026 has brought a whirlwind of updates for Bengaluru residents. From ambitious long-term infrastructure plans to immediate civic alerts, the city is buzzing with activity this week.

While the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a massive expansion plan to decongest the city, citizens are currently grappling with winter chills and scheduled power outages. The biggest relief, however, comes for air travelers, as the state government has finally intervened in the chaotic pickup situation at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

Here is a detailed wrap-up of everything trending in Bengaluru right now (January 10, 2026).

1. Namma Metro: 200km Expansion & 2026 Targets

In a major announcement that offers hope for the city’s infamous traffic, BMRCL officials have confirmed that feasibility studies are underway for over 200 km of new metro corridors.

• The 2026 Goal: BMRCL Advisor (Civil) Abhai Kumar Rai stated this week that 41 km of new lines will be operationalized within 2026. This includes the much-awaited extension of the Green Line to Madavara and the Yellow Line sections.
• Total Network: By the end of 2027, the network is expected to grow to 175 km, including the critical “Blue Line” connecting the city to the Airport.
• Future Corridors: The new 200km plan is part of a long-term strategy to connect peripheral areas like Tumakuru and Bidadi, transforming Bengaluru into a true “Metro City.”

2. BESCOM Alert: Power Cuts This Weekend (Jan 10-11)

If you live in North or West Bengaluru, charge your inverters. The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) has announced scheduled power outages for maintenance work on January 10 and 11, 2026.

• Timing: Power supply will be disrupted between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM (up to 5.5 hours) in affected zones.
• Affected Areas: The outage will primarily hit Ravindra Nagar, Prashanth Nagar, Jalahalli West, Santosh Nagar, and industrial areas around the Wipro Wellcast Factory.
• Reason: Emergency maintenance by KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited) to upgrade the grid infrastructure.

3. Airport Pickup Chaos: Minister Orders Immediate Fix

For the past few weeks, arriving passengers at Terminal 1 (T1) have faced a nightmare: walking nearly 800 meters with luggage to reach their cabs due to new traffic restrictions.

• The Intervention: Following severe public backlash, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy visited the airport on Wednesday to inspect the ground reality. He expressed sharp displeasure at how BMTC bus bays were reduced to favor private operators.
• The Order: The Minister has directed Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to restore the 14 BMTC bus bays immediately and allow private cabs closer to the terminal to reduce passenger hardship.
• What Changes: Expect the pickup points to move back closer to the arrival gates within the next few days, offering relief to elderly passengers and families.

4. Suburban Rail: Delays and Cost Escalation

The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), often touted as the “magic bullet” for city traffic, is facing fresh hurdles. A recent government summary revealed that the project is slowing down due to land acquisition issues.

• The Problem: The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has delayed acquiring the necessary land for Corridors 2 (Mallige) and 4 (Kanaka).
• Cost Jump: Rising land prices have pushed the acquisition cost from an estimated ₹1,470 Crore to nearly ₹5,000 Crore.
• Impact: This financial strain and the “failure to clear encroachments” by South Western Railway are threatening to push the completion deadline beyond 2026.

5. Weather Update: Cold Wave Grips the City

Bengaluru is experiencing one of its coldest weeks of the season.

• Current Trend: Minimum temperatures in the city have dropped to around 14°C – 15°C, with outskirts like Bengaluru Rural recording even lower temps (13.3°C).
• IMD Warning: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has flagged a “Cold Wave” condition for North Interior Karnataka, which is bringing chilly winds to Bengaluru. Residents can expect misty mornings and dry weather for the next week.

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