According to sources, preliminary inputs indicate that the derailment caused damage to some track supports and components related to the traction system and rolling stock. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has launched an internal investigation into the derailment of a train on the Namma Metro Yellow Line at Hebbagodi depot. The incident occurred in the morning hours of January 15, when a train set without a driver derailed in the depot area.
Train set 3 derailed inside the depot at approximately 5:30 a.m., according to officials. The following day, on January 16, BMRCL set up a six-member internal inquiry committee to look into the sequence of events that led to the accident and determine responsibility.
According to sources, preliminary inputs indicate that the derailment caused damage to some track supports and components related to the traction system and rolling stock. The exact extent of the damage and the financial impact are yet to be assessed.
“A detailed technical assessment is underway to know the exact reason for the incident. Only after the investigation is completed and all inspections are completed will we be able to quantify the extent of damage to the structure and equipment as well as the cost of restoration,” said a senior official.
Elaborating on the committee’s terms of reference, the official said: “The panel has been tasked with developing an accurate and evidence-based explanation of the incident. It will examine operational logs, signaling data, maintenance records and details of personnel deployment to identify all factors that may have contributed to the derailment. The aim is to present a comprehensive report to management along with clear findings and recommendations to prevent any recurrence.”
The official added that the investigation will also scrutinize the human and procedural aspects. “The functioning and responsibilities of the train operator, depot dispatcher and other concerned personnel are being thoroughly scrutinized. We are assessing whether the prescribed standard operating procedures were followed and whether there were any deficiencies in system coordination, supervision or response,” the official said.
The 19.15 km Yellow Line, which connects RV Road and Bommasandra and serves the Electronics City technology hub, was inaugurated in August 2025. Although the corridor is designed for fully automated driverless operations (GoA-4), it currently operates in GoA-2 semi-automated mode with drivers on board.
The line currently operates a fleet of approximately seven trains. Since its operation, services have gradually improved from initial 25-minute intervals to peak frequencies of 10–15 minutes. On weekdays, the line records an average number of passengers of almost one million passengers.
Published – 20 Feb 2026 19:52 IST