Bangalore Metro to commence partial operations on Yellow Line by next month

Bangalore, India (Metro Rail Today): After years of anticipation and multiple setbacks, Bengaluru’s Yellow Line Metro is finally moving closer to reality. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has received approval from the Railway Board for its rolling stock, marking a crucial milestone in the progress of the 19.15-km corridor connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra.

This stretch, which promises to significantly improve connectivity to Electronic City, Bengaluru’s IT powerhouse, is expected to begin partial operations in June. According to BMRCL officials, services will initially run between five major stations, with full-scale operations to follow after final approvals.

“Most of the documentation has been submitted, and the signalling certification will be sent shortly. We expect the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspection by end of May,” a senior official confirmed.

The CMRS inspection is a statutory prerequisite before any metro corridor can open to the public. It will evaluate critical systems such as tracks, stations, fire safety measures, train sets, and entry/exit points. Post-inspection, BMRCL expects to implement any modifications within two weeks, paving the way for a mid to late June launch.

Despite the completion of the Yellow Line’s physical infrastructure months ago, delays in train set deliveries—particularly driverless coaches—have stalled progress. Currently, two train sets are available, with a third expected within a week, boosting readiness for operations.

Delays and Course Corrections

The project has seen its share of roadblocks. In 2019, CRRC Corporation of China won a ₹1,578-crore contract to deliver 216 metro coaches, with a key condition to set up manufacturing in India—a requirement it failed to meet. This led to significant delivery delays and forced BMRCL to consider invoking a ₹372-crore bank guarantee.

To salvage the situation, CRRC later partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems in Kolkata. Although this partnership resumed stalled deliveries, the pace has remained sluggish.

Trial runs on the Yellow Line began on March 7, 2024, using the two available train sets. Now, BMRCL is in the final stretch—awaiting regulatory inspections and prepping for phased operations.

Once launched, the Yellow Line will transform south Bengaluru’s connectivity, especially benefitting daily commuters from Electronic City, Bommasandra, and HSR Layout, while easing traffic congestion on key arterial roads.

Stay tuned for further updates as Bengaluru’s Yellow Line readies for its long-awaited debut.