Bengaluru, May 2025 – The much-awaited Yellow Line of Namma Metro is moving one step closer to launch. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has received approval from the Railway Board for its rolling stock — an important milestone before operations can begin.
✅ Current Status of the Yellow Line
The 19.15 km corridor between R.V. Road and Bommasandra is now structurally complete. A third train set is expected to be ready for service within a week. However, the project has faced multiple delays, mostly due to the late delivery of driverless train sets.
📝 CMRS Inspection Likely by May-End
BMRCL officials have confirmed that they are awaiting the inspection schedule from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS), Southern Range. The inspection is a mandatory safety check before any metro line can begin operations.
“Most documentation is submitted. Signalling certification will follow shortly. We hope the CMRS inspection will take place by the end of May,”
📌 What will CMRS inspect?
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- Tracks and station infrastructure
- Fire safety systems
- Train sets and technical systems
- Entry and exit points
After the inspection, BMRCL will need about two weeks to make any required changes. This means partial services could begin by mid or end of June 2025.
📍 Importance of the Namma Metro Yellow Line
The Yellow Line will connect South Bengaluru, including the major tech hub Electronics City, with the rest of the city’s metro network. It is expected to:
- Reduce traffic on key roads like Hosur Road and Bannerghatta Road
- Make commuting easier for thousands of IT professionals
- Offer an eco-friendly travel alternative in congested areas
📌 Key Points
- 🟡 Limited Operations: Metro trains will start running with limited stops in June 2025.
- 🚆 Full Operations: Complete line likely to be ready by August or September 2025.
- 🚉 Train Sets: More trains need to arrive before full service can begin.
- ✅ CMRS Approval: CMRS inspection must happen before the line fully opens.
- 📍 Route: The line connects RV Road to Bommasandra, passing key areas like BTM Layout, Central Silk Board, and Electronics City.
- 🎯 Purpose: To make travel faster and easier, especially for people working in the IT corridor.
- ⏳ Delays: The project was originally planned for December 2022, but has been delayed many times.
- 📉 “Plan B” Strategy: BMRCL may begin service with fewer stations and trains running every 30 minutes.
🚧 Delays and Challenges Faced
Despite structural readiness, the project faced serious delays. In 2019, Chinese firm CRRC won a ₹1,578-crore contract to supply 216 driverless coaches. However, the company failed to set up a manufacturing unit in India, causing disruptions.
As a result:
- BMRCL issued several warnings to CRRC
- Considered invoking a ₹372-crore bank guarantee
Later, CRRC partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems from Kolkata to fulfill the contract. This helped resume deliveries, though delays continued.
🗓️ Project Timeline
- 2019: CRRC wins contract to supply 216 coaches.
- 2020–2023: Project delayed due to lack of local manufacturing by CRRC.
- 2023: CRRC partners with Titagarh Rail Systems (India) to resume deliveries.
- March 2024: Trial runs begin on the Yellow Line.
- May 2025: Third train set arrives; CMRS inspection awaited.
- June 2025: Limited services expected to start.
- August–September 2025: Full services likely with more trains and open stations.
🚆 Trial Runs and Train Availability
- Trial runs began on March 7, 2024
- Two train sets are currently available
- Third train set is being prepared for service
- Full fleet will include 15 six-car trains (90 coaches)
Once fully operational, the Yellow Line will significantly enhance the city’s metro network, especially for South Bengaluru residents.
📅 When Can We Expect Operations to Start?
Based on current progress and pending CMRS approval, partial service on the Yellow Line is expected to begin by mid or end of June 2025. Initially, trains will stop only at key stations with limited frequency.
🟡 Quick Summary
- Corridor: R.V. Road to Bommasandra (19.15 km)
- Current Phase: Awaiting CMRS inspection
- Expected Start: Mid or end of June 2025
- Initial Service: Limited stations, 3 train sets
- Full Operations: After more coaches arrive by August
Stay tuned for more updates as Bengaluru gets ready to welcome the Yellow Line!