Bengaluru Namma Metro: Bengaluru's Namma Metro Yellow Line is now set to open later than expected, with reports indicating a possible launch in late July or even August. Initially anticipated to be operational by mid-2024, the 19.15-kilometre line connecting RV Road to Bommasandra has encountered significant delays due to issues with the train signalling system.
The Deccan Herald report cited officials from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) as revealing that, the delays stem from pending Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) approvals for the signalling systems. These approvals have been stalled due to software glitches identified during a review by Siemens India Ltd, the contractor responsible for the signalling.
The Deccan Herald report cited a senior BMRCL official as explaining that, “Train movements rely entirely on software. Even a small error can cause the system to revert to a safe mode.” While BMRCL has completed all necessary statutory tests, the ISA certification remains crucial before the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) can conduct an inspection of the line.
“Without the clearance for safety, Siemens cannot approach the independent assessor,” the official added, indicating that the situation is now out of BMRCL’s control. Siemens has assured that the corrected software datasets will be ready by the end of June.
Compounding the delay, issues with train availability have also arisen. Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), the supplier of rolling stock for the Yellow Line, is running behind schedule. However, production is reportedly back on track, with three of the six necessary trains having arrived from China.
Despite Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar setting a deadline for operations by May 2025, the project faces increased scrutiny due to these ongoing delays. The BMRCL submitted documentation to the CMRS in late April to initiate the statutory safety inspection, but the critical ISA certification for the train signalling tests is still pending.
The BMRCL has conducted all statutory tests, including multi-train assessments on the new rolling stock. The software, which manages critical train operations such as acceleration, braking and routing, must be thoroughly tested and verified.
The official noted, “The process is taking longer than expected. We are working to expedite matters, but it is not entirely within our control.” Following the expected ISA certification by the end of June, the CMRS inspection could take place in July. On a positive note, BMRCL has completed all static tests on the third train, which arrived on May 14, and mainline testing will commence soon.