Key Points
- Yellow Line services delayed until January 2025.
- First train sets expected by late 2024.
- Trains will only run every 30 minutes at first.
- Full fleet should be up and running by August 2025.
- Train procurement has been a major challenge.
Looma News
Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line, linking R.V. Road to Bommasandra, is facing another delay, now aiming for a January 2025 launch. The update came straight from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) in a report over the weekend.
We were all set for a December 2024 start, but it looks like we’ll have to hang tight a little longer. The first train sets are expected to arrive by November or December this year, with three ready to go when the service kicks off in January. But hold your horses—at the beginning, trains will only be running every 30 minutes.
What’s Happening with the Trains?
BMRCL mentioned they’ll gradually add more trains, bringing in two extra each month starting in March 2025. By August 2025, they’re hoping to have all 15 trains up and running, which should really help with frequency. The Yellow Line spans 18.82 kilometers and has 16 stations, boosting connectivity in southern Bengaluru, especially for big players like Infosys and Biocon. Plus, it’ll connect with the Green and Pink Lines at key spots.
The Bumpy Road Ahead
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The project has faced some serious bumps, especially with getting metro coaches. Back in 2019, the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) snagged a big contract for 216 metro coaches but hit some snags—like not setting up a manufacturing plant in India, which was part of the deal. This led to some notices from BMRCL and talks about cashing in on a ₹372 crore bank guarantee.
Recently, CRRC has teamed up with Kolkata’s Titagarh Wagons to help complete the remaining orders, which is a bit of good news. In the meantime, BMRCL has assured everyone that the essential parts of the Yellow Line are almost done. They’re currently testing prototype trains and got the green light for traction from the Railway Board. Right now, they’re working on the signaling systems and getting the trains ready for full operations.
