The long-awaited Yellow Line, connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra, faces further postponements but promises enhanced connectivity for southern Bengaluru.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced that the much-anticipated Yellow Line of the Namma Metro is now scheduled to begin operations in January 2025.
This announcement comes after a series of delays that have pushed back the original launch date, which was initially expected in December 2024.
The Yellow Line will span approximately 18.82 kilometers, featuring 16 elevated stations, and is designed to significantly improve transportation in southern Bengaluru, particularly for commuters traveling to major tech hubs like Electronics City, home to companies such as Infosys and Biocon.
Key Developments
BMRCL confirmed that the first batch of trains for the Yellow Line is expected to arrive by November or December 2024, with three train sets ready for initial operations.
During the first phase of service, trains will run at 30-minute intervals. BMRCL officials noted that as additional trains are delivered – at a rate of two per month starting in March 2025 – the frequency of services will gradually increase, with a full fleet of 15 train sets anticipated to be operational by August 2025.
A crucial inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) is slated for December 2024, which is a necessary step before the line can officially open to the public.
The completion of civil and system works has been reported as substantially finished, and testing of prototype trains is currently underway.
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, the Yellow Line project has encountered numerous challenges since its inception.
A significant hurdle arose when the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), which was contracted to supply metro coaches, faced difficulties in fulfilling its obligations due to issues establishing a manufacturing facility in India.
This led BMRCL to consider encashing a ₹372-crore bank guarantee against CRRC.
Recently, CRRC has partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Wagons to expedite the delivery of remaining coaches. While this collaboration has provided some relief, delays continue to affect the overall timeline of the project.
Enhancing Connectivity
Once operational, the Yellow Line will intersect with both the Green Line at R.V. Road Station and the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital Station, enhancing connectivity across Bengaluru’s extensive metro network.
Key stops along this route include BTM Layout, Silk Board Junction, and Electronics City, which are vital for easing traffic congestion and improving public transportation options in these bustling areas.
Related: Namma Metro Timings
As Bengaluru continues to grapple with urban mobility challenges, the successful launch of the Yellow Line is poised to play a crucial role in transforming public transport within the city, making daily commutes more efficient for thousands of residents and workers alike.
