- By Imran Zafar
- Mon, 07 Oct 2024 03:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The launch of Namma Metro’s Yellow Line, connecting RV Road to Bommasandra has been delayed again, with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirming that the line will now open in January 2025. The much-anticipated 18.82-kilometre line, featuring 16 stations, was initially expected to begin operations by December 2024, but a mandatory inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) in December has pushed the date forward.
According to BMRCL's latest update, the first set of trains for the Yellow Line is expected to arrive between November and December 2024. The initial phase of operations, set for January 2025, will begin with three train sets running at 30-minute intervals. BMRCL also outlined that full operations will take longer, with the entire fleet of 15 train sets only becoming fully operational by August 2025.
Once completed, the Yellow Line will intersect with the Green Line at RV Road Station and the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital Station, significantly improving connectivity in southern Bengaluru, particularly in areas housing major companies like Infosys and Biocon.
ALSO READ: RG Kar Rape-Murder: CBI Files Chargesheet Against Sanjay Roy; No Mention Of Gangrape
The project, however, has faced multiple setbacks, notably with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), which won a Rs 1,578-crore contract in 2019 to supply 216 metro coaches. CRRC’s failure to establish a manufacturing plant in India, as required by the agreement, led to delays and multiple notices from BMRCL.
Recently, CRRC partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Wagons to supply the remaining coaches, offering some progress but still impacting the overall timeline.
Currently, testing of the prototype train is in progress, with key technical approvals already granted. BMRCL is focusing on finalising signalling systems and rolling stock in preparation for the staggered launch of services starting in early 2025.