Although the physical infrastructure of the yellow line has been completed for several months, its commissioning has faced a repeated delay, mainly due to the late delivery of train sets without a driver. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
Bengaluru’s long -awaited metro line is approaching the operating state, while Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will ensure the approval of the railway council for its rolling. This means a key milestone for a 19.15 km corridor that stretches between RV Road and Bommasandra.
Officials said that the third set of train is expected to be ready for operation within one week. Although the physical infrastructure of the yellow line has been completed for several months, its commissioning has faced a repeated delay, mainly due to the late delivery of train sets without a driver. Officials said that commercial operations are likely to start in June, initially with a limited service.
BMRCL officials revealed that they are waiting for the Inspection Plan by Commissioner for Safety Metro Safety (CMRS), Southern Range. “Most of the required documentation has already been submitted. The certification of the signaling will be sent soon,” the official said, expressing hope that the statutory inspection would take place by the end of May.
The CMRS inspection is a mandatory procedure before starting operation. “The review will include inspections on lines, stations, fire safety systems, entry and exit points and trains themselves. After the inspection, BMRCL will need approximately two weeks to make any proposed adjustments.
More delay, obstacles
This corridor is of significant importance because it combines the southern parts of the city – including the main IT center in Electronics City – with the rest of the metro network. However, the project faced several obstacles on the way.
In 2019, the Chinese company CRRC received a $ 1,578 GBP contract for the supply of 216 coaches. The key requirement was to set up production facilities in India, which the company did not do. This caused a fundamental disruption of the project’s progress. BMRCL responded by issuing more notifications and considering calling for a bank warranty of 372 GBP.
To solve the problem, CRRC closed partnership with Kolkata based in Titagarh Rail Systems based in Kolkata. Although this cooperation helped to restart supplies, the delay continued.
Testing runs on the yellow line began on March 7, 2024 using two available train sets. BMRCL is now being prepared for the final steps before opening the corridor of the public.
Published – May 25, 2025 06:00
