Bengaluru: Electronics City Metro missed deadlines from Dec 2021 to July 2025; Tejasvi Surya calls for protest

Electronics City Metro

Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has called for a public protest demanding the immediate opening of the long-delayed Yellow Line (RV Road–Bommasandra), which connects Electronics City, home to major companies like Infosys and Biocon.

“Join in large numbers at 9:30 AM, tomorrow, Saturday, 5th July, at Lalbagh Main Gate as we march to the BMRCL Head Office in Shantinagar and demand — #YellowLineOpenMadi,” Surya wrote on X.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro receives third train set for Electronics City corridor; safety inspection soon

“Plagued by years of delay, the all-important Yellow Line between RV Road and Bommasandra is still not operational despite BMRCL missing multiple deadlines. Bengalureans continue to face daily traffic snarls, especially at Silk Board junction and other parts of the IT/BT corridor this line passes through. Our patience has worn thin. We feel taken for granted. This is not acceptable. It’s time we speak to BMRCL in one voice,” Surya added.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Surya said: “BMRCL has not been transparent — neither in giving a definitive opening date nor in sharing the Fare Fixation Committee report, even with an elected MP. This is unfair. I urge citizens, cutting across party lines, to join in large numbers.”

Also, read: MC Explains: Overcrowded Bengaluru Metro coaches: Fallout of Indo-China conflict

According to BMRCL officials, they are hoping to secure CMRS (Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety) inspection from July 14 and plan to open the line in August 2025 with three available trains.

A shortage of trains remains one of the main reasons for the delay in the Yellow Line’s launch.

In December 2019, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen was awarded the contract to supply 216 coaches to BMRCL, with a delivery timeline of 173 weeks. The Yellow Line was originally set to be operational by December 2021. However, the delay in coach delivery was largely triggered by the Indo-China border standoff of June 2020. CRRC struggled to identify a local manufacturing partner to meet the 75% localisation mandate under the Make in India initiative.

Other contributing factors included the COVID-19 pandemic, FDI policy revisions, and trade restrictions with China. Eventually, CRRC partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Rail Systems to manufacture and supply the coaches domestically.

Also, read: Major stations first: Bengaluru Metro scrambles with plan B for Electronics City line due to train crunch