Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line set for August 10 launch; fully automated driverless operations to begin later

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the 19.15-km Yellow Line on August 10. (Courtesy: X | @OfficialBMRCL)

Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line, set to be inaugurated on August 10, is equipped for advanced driverless operations- but will initially run with loco pilots.

While the Yellow Line - which connects tech hub Electronics City - is supported by a modern Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) said fully automated driverless (GoA-4) operations will begin only after six months of commercial service in semi-automated (GoA-2) mode.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the 19.15-km Yellow Line, connecting RV Road and Bommasandra, on August 10. The CMRS (Southern Circle) cleared the line for GoA-2 operations in a safety report dated July 30.

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro's Yellow Line: 19-km took 8 years to complete; cost escalated to around Rs 400 crore per km

Metro automation refers to transferring train operation duties from drivers to control systems, with varying Grades of Automation (GoA) based on system vs staff responsibility. The delay is due to the pending finalisation of Siemens’ GoA-4 software and multiple layers of regulatory approvals.

"We will deploy drivers for the Yellow Line initially. GoA-4 software will be finalised only after six months of operations, based on operational data and inputs," a senior BMRCL official told Moneycontrol.

"Subsequently, approvals will be sought from Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO), Railway Board, and Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) to shift to GoA-4 operations," the official added.

GoA-2 operations require a driver to manage train doors and controls. However, Yellow Line's trains and signalling systems are designed for GoA-4 - fully driverless and unattended operations with no staff onboard.

While an Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), ITALCERTIFER, has reviewed the system, CMRS has approved only GoA-2 operations for now. Several key components are still pending, including the integration of the Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system, comprehensive staff training, final updates to operational manuals, cybersecurity validation, and platform safety markings.

The CMRS report also flagged the need for robust fallback mechanisms such as digital axle counters, strict separation between lines using different OEM signalling systems, and resolution of issues related to hazard logs, interlocking logic, and degraded-mode operations.

Driverless GoA-4 systems are already operational in global cities such as Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, and Vancouver. In India, Delhi Metro runs GoA-4 trains on its Magenta and Pink Lines, which offers front-facing views and improved reliability.

BMRCL officials said they will continue to operate with drivers until the system proves stable and reliable and passengers gain confidence in travelling in driverless trains.

GoA-4 will enable automatic train induction and maintenance, improved reliability through self-diagnostic systems, and additional passenger space by eliminating driver cabs.

Also, read: Bengaluru's Electronics City Metro: Safety inspection from July 22 to 25; PM may inaugurate in August