Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Yellow Line Starts With Just 3 Trains: Why Isn’t It Fully Operational Yet?

Bengaluru's much-anticipated Yellow Line of Namma Metro is finally operational-but in a limited capacity. Initially, only three train sets will run, with 25-minute intervals between trains. This setup can serve only 25,000 to 30,000 passengers daily, far less than the expected 2 to 3 lakh commuters.

This limited opening has taken some of the shine off the launch, especially for commuters relying on the Yellow Line to ease traffic along Silk Board-Bommasandra.

The Yellow Line will feature 16 stations, stretching from RV Road to Bommasandra, and include key stops such as Ragi Gudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, Central Silk Board, Bommanahalli, Hosa Road, Electronic City, and the Infosys Foundation Konappana Agrahara.

Why the Namma metro Yellow Line is Not Fully Operational Yet

Delayed Train Production

In December 2019, BMRCL (Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited) awarded a contract to CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for 216 metro coaches. The deal required 12 coaches to be manufactured in China and the rest in India under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Although CRRC even acquired land in Andhra Pradesh, manufacturing stalled in 2021 due to pending clearances. BMRCL issued a termination notice, and the case landed in court.

By April 2022, the Karnataka High Court permitted the project to continue with revised timelines.

In May 2022, CRRC partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd to produce 34 trains locally. However, after the India-China border clash in Galwan, Chinese engineers faced visa delays, halting crucial work like testing and assembly for over a year.

Visas were granted in December 2023, and by February 2024, the first Chinese-made prototype arrived for testing. Indian-built trains began rolling out in May 2024, but only three train sets are operational as of August 2025.

Why Other Metro Trains Can't Be Used on Yellow Line

The Yellow Line uses CBTC (Communications-Based Train Control), a modern signalling system offering energy efficiency and shorter headways between trains. However, CBTC is not compatible with the Purple and Green lines, which use older signalling tech.

That means trains from other lines cannot be shared without costly upgrades. Also, those lines are already operating at near-maximum capacity with 57 train sets of their own.

When Will Yellow Line Run at Full Capacity?

To run trains every 5 minutes during peak hours, the Yellow Line needs 15 full train sets. As of now, only three are operational, and the fourth is expected soon.

A complete fleet is expected by March 2026, allowing the line to finally operate at full capacity and meet commuter expectations.

While the current service may fall short of expectations, the Yellow Line's gradual rollout underscores the challenges of global supply chains, policy approvals, and geopolitical issues. Despite the hurdles, BMRCL continues to push for timely deliveries and improved service.

Once fully operational, the Yellow Line is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and serve as a key part of Bengaluru's expanding metro network.