Bengaluru's Namma Metro Yellow Line Metro Set For Trial Runs, Prototype Train En Route For Mid-February

The wait for Bengaluru's much-anticipated Namma Metro Yellow Line is finally nearing its end. The prototype train for the Yellow line is set to arrive in mid-February, paving the way for trial runs and eventually, commercial operations. This is a significant development for the city, as the Yellow Line will connect Electronics City and other parts of southern Bengaluru with the rest of the metro network.

The six-coach trainset is being supplied by China's CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd. The company had won a contract to supply 216 coaches (36 trainsets) to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Out of these, 90 coaches (15 trainsets) will be deployed on the 19.15-km Yellow Line, which will connect RV Road with Bommasandra via Silk Board Junction and Electronics City.

Civil and track-laying works on the Yellow Line are complete, while systems works are ongoing. However, statutory trial runs couldn't begin earlier due to the unavailability of coaches. The BMRCL requires at least eight trainsets (48 coaches) to start commercial operations on the line.

The arrival of the prototype train in mid-February marks a crucial step forward. A team of 15 Chinese officials is also expected to reach Bengaluru next month to help conduct the trial runs. These trial runs will be followed by oscillation trials, technical approvals, and the statutory safety inspection. This process is expected to take three months.

Manufacturing of Additional Trains

Meanwhile, work is also progressing on the manufacturing of additional trains at the Bengal factory of Titagarh Wagons Limited, CRRC's Indian partner. The factory received the bodyshells of two trainsets in September 2023, but the assembly and commissioning couldn't start due to the unavailability of Chinese engineers. This issue has now been resolved, and the commissioning of the equipment is ongoing.

The BMRCL has also resolved the issue of the software needed to operate the trains. It has succeeded in halving the software cost and expects to receive the software by the time the prototype train arrives. The software is crucial for ensuring interfacing between trains and signalling.

The BMRCL expects to receive the eight trainsets required for commercial operations within the next seven months. This means that passengers can finally start using the Yellow Line sometime in the third quarter of 2024.

Metro Ridership Crosses 100 Crore

In another positive development, Namma Metro has achieved a significant milestone by ferrying over 100 crore people since it began operations in November 2011. This feat was achieved on December 29, 2023. The metro also ferried more than two crore people in a month for the first time in December 2023, with an average daily ridership of over 688,000.

The upcoming Yellow Line is expected to further boost ridership and ease traffic congestion in Bengaluru. The city's residents eagerly await the launch of this new line, which will bring them a faster and more convenient way to travel.

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