After eight years of construction delays and cost overruns, Bengaluru’s 19-km Yellow Line Metro - connecting RV Road to Bommasandra - is finally set to open to the public. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the long-pending corridor on August 10.
Construction of the Namma Metro Yellow Line, part of Phase II, began in 2017 and was supposed to be completed in December 2021, but it missed several deadlines. The total project cost now stands at Rs 7,610 crore, averaging nearly Rs 400 crore per kilometre.
Also, read: Bengaluru's Electronics City Metro: Safety inspection from July 22 to 25; PM may inaugurate in August
As per Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 2011, completion cost for RV Road-Bommasandra stretch was pegged at Rs 4,255 crore (by March 2016). However, cost has escalated from BMRCL’s original estimate of Rs 5,744 crore to Rs 7,610 crore - a 32 percent increase.
Elevated Metro lines usually cost around Rs 250 crore per km, while underground stretches cost Rs 500-Rs 1,000 crore, depending on location and design. Metro Man E Sreedharan had warned that each day of delay would cost BMRCL Rs 1.5-Rs 2 crore. Delays pushed Phase 1’s cost from Rs 6,395 crore in 2005 to Rs 14,133 crore, and Phase 2’s from Rs 26,405 crore in 2014 to Rs 40,614 crore in 2024. BMRCL also raised fares by up to 71 percent from February 14, making it the costliest Metro in India.
Also, read: Why Bengaluru Metro's fare hike of up to 71% has raised hackles
Delays due to coach supply issues
One of the main reasons for the delay was the disruption in coach supply, following the India-China border standoff in June 2020. CRRC, the Chinese firm contracted to supply coaches, struggled to meet the 75 percent local production requirement under the Make in India policy.
The situation was further complicated by Covid-related restrictions, FDI rules, and trade policy issues with China. CRRC eventually tied up with Kolkata-based Titagarh Rail Systems to manufacture and deliver the coaches. Sources added that visa delays for Chinese CRRC engineers and late arrival of propulsion systems from Japan further slowed down testing and commissioning.
Also, read: MC Explains: Overcrowded Bengaluru Metro coaches: Fallout of Indo-China conflict
25-min frequency
After inspecting the Yellow Line on August 5, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said launch event will be held at IIM-B, followed by a train ride with the PM, Chief Minister and local MLAs. "We’ll also submit a request for funds for land acquisition for the double-decker project," he said.
"Three train sets have arrived and a fourth is expected in August. Services will begin with a 25-minute frequency, which will be reduced to 10 minutes as more trains arrive. This line is vital to connect IT hubs with the city,” he said.
CMRS report revealed
Moneycontrol has accessed 15-page report submitted by Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS), who inspected the corridor between July 22 and 25.
While CMRS has cleared the line for commercial operations, but flagged several issues. The major concerns include the need to appoint certified independent cybersecurity assessors for all critical safety systems and to verify software versions across all 15 six-car trains. The report also pointed out misalignments in the integration of Automatic Train Supervision system with Passenger Information Displays and Public Announcement Systems. Additionally, there were observations about inadequate signage, poor platform lighting, and gaps in crowd management at several stations.
The CMRS report highlights several civil and technical issues at stations. At RV Road, there were drainage issues, loose rail fastenings, and poor cable management. Jayadeva station was flagged for unauthorised welding work, girder deflections, and incomplete structural tests. At Hongasandra, the inspection found open power distribution boards and system errors in the Building Management System. Electronics City station had a leaking diesel generator, non-functional lifts, incorrect signage, and earthing deficiencies. Stations like Hosa Road and Bommasandra had problems ranging from rusted rails to faulty lifts, while the Hebbagudi power substation showed transformer oil leaks and missing earthing for safety fencing.
The Yellow Line has 16 elevated stations and is expected to transform connectivity to Electronics City, one of India’s largest technology and industrial clusters. It runs through key tech corridor where major companies like Infosys, Wipro, Biocon, Delta, and Tech Mahindra are located. The corridor will also improve access to nearby residential areas, hospitals, educational institutions, and industrial hubs in and around Bommasandra. Yellow Line will also offer interchange connectivity with three other corridors: Green Line at RV Road, upcoming Pink Line at Jayadeva, and Blue Line at Central Silk Board.
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