Bengaluru’s Yellow Line Inches Closer to Launch with CMRS Inspection

The much-awaited Yellow Line of Namma Metro, which has faced delays due to train shortages, is set for an important safety inspection. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will inspect the first driverless train for this corridor on February 24.

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) received six train coaches from China on February 14, 2025, which were delivered to the Hebbagodi metro depot. A senior BMRCL official confirmed that the driverless train has passed several internal tests and is now ready for the CMRS inspection. However, this inspection is only for the train. A full safety check of the entire Yellow Line is planned for the end of March.

Bengaluru Metro's Shift to Driverless Technology

The introduction of driverless trains is part of BMRCL's move to a Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, a first for Bengaluru Metro. Currently, the metro uses the DTG (Distance-To-Go) signalling system. CBTC technology will reduce the gap between trains from 2.5 minutes to just 90 seconds, helping ease congestion.

Although these new trains are designed to run automatically, BMRCL will initially deploy train operators to ensure a smooth transition.

About the Yellow Line

The Yellow Line spans 19.15 km from R.V. Road to Bommasandra, covering important areas like Electronics City. It has 16 elevated stations, linking the Green Line at R.V. Road Station and the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital Station. This corridor aims to improve connectivity for South Bengaluru residents and major corporate hubs like Infosys and Biocon.

Delay in Train Deliveries

The delay in launching the Yellow Line is mainly due to a contract issue. In 2019, BMRCL awarded a ₹1,578-crore contract to China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) to supply 216 metro coaches. However, CRRC failed to set up a factory in India as required, delaying train deliveries.

In response, BMRCL issued warnings to CRRC and considered invoking a ₹372-crore bank guarantee. Later, CRRC partnered with Titagarh Wagons in Kolkata to manufacture the remaining coaches.

Apart from the prototype driverless train, CRRC is also supplying a DTG-based train. The remaining 34 train sets (14 CBTC and 20 DTG) are being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in West Bengal.

Extensive Testing Before Operations

Before the driverless trains start commercial operations, they must pass 37 tests, including signalling, telecommunications, and power supply checks. Key safety assessments include Oscillation Trials by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), followed by the CMRS inspection.

Final approval from the Railway Board is required before the trains can carry passengers. If all approvals are secured, the Yellow Line's driverless train is expected to start running by April 2025.