Hope Rises for Namma Metro’s Yellow Line as Safety Inspections Begin

The long-awaited Yellow Line of Namma Metro moved closer to reality as the statutory inspection of its driverless trains took place on Monday, boosting hopes for an imminent launch.

AM Chowdhary, Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for the South Circle, inspected two trainsets supplied by Chinese manufacturer CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd. While one was directly imported, the second was assembled in India by CRRC’s local partner, Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), and arrived in Bengaluru on February 9. Under the ₹1,578 crore contract, CRRC-TRSL is set to deliver 36 trainsets.

According to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), CMRS approval is mandatory before inducting new rolling stock into service. The inspection at Hebbagodi depot included assessments of key components such as brakes, suspension, circuit board, and underframe.

Following CMRS approval, BMRCL will seek the Railway Board’s sanction, after which multiple train trials will evaluate signalling compatibility. If safety inspections proceed as planned by March-end, commercial operations could commence by mid-April, pending compliance clearance.

The 19.15-km Yellow Line, linking RV Road to Bommasandra via Electronics City, has been ready for some time but faced delays due to train shortages. BMRCL expects to receive the third and fourth trains by March and April-end, respectively. Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao hopes for a launch by April with an initial train frequency of 20-25 minutes.

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