The six-station elevated line is part of the first phase of the Bangalore metro network, completion of which has been delayed due to technical difficulties during construction. The 7.5km eastern section between MG Road and Baiyappanahalli opened in October 2011 but the 3.8km central underground section between Magadi Road and MG Road has not yet been completed.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Siddaramaiah confirmed that 27km of the first phase has now been completed and the remaining 15km "will be completed by June."

Plans for the second phase expansion of the network were approved by the Indian government in January 2014.