Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line (RV Road–Bommasandra) has taken a major step toward easing commuter congestion with the arrival of its 5th trainset, according to a report in The Hindu.
The new coaches were dispatched from Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata, and transported on trailers to Bengaluru on September 19. After assembly at the city’s metro depot, the train will undergo a 20-day trial run, including checks for signalling, telecom, and power integration, a senior BMRCL official confirmed.
Background & Current Operations:
- The 18.82-km Yellow Line, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10, connects RV Road to Bommasandra, linking southern Bengaluru and Electronics City.
- At launch, the line operated with only three trains, leading to long 25+ minute gaps and heavy overcrowding.
- A fourth trainset added on September 10 improved intervals to 19 minutes, but congestion continued.
- With the fifth trainset, officials expect frequency to improve to 15 minutes, though more trains are still needed for optimal service.
Technology & Challenges:
Each train is equipped with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), enabling future driverless operations. However, the metro is currently running under manual operation.
The project has faced delays in rolling stock procurement. Originally, Chinese firm CRRC won the ₹1,578-crore contract to supply 216 coaches but failed to meet local manufacturing requirements. After repeated delays and penalty threats, CRRC partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems, which has now resumed supplies.
Despite these setbacks, the addition of the fifth trainset marks a significant step toward reducing overcrowding and ensuring smoother metro connectivity for Bengaluru commuters.
