AFTER having missed several deadlines, the much-awaited Bangalore Metro finally began operations on October 20 on its first stretch – Reach 1 of the Eastern line, part of Phase I of the Metro project. Reach 1 was inaugurated by Union Minister for Urban Development Kamal Nath in the presence of Karnataka Chief minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley. Union Minister of State for Railways K.H. Muniappa was also present.