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

Electronics City Metro

Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will inspect the long-awaited Yellow Line of Namma Metro, connecting RV Road and Bommasandra, from July 22 to 25, sources told Moneycontrol.

In a communication to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) dated July 18, CMRS office said: “Statutory inspection of the newly constructed elevated section from RV Road to Delta Electronics Bommasandra (Reach 5, Phase 2) will be conducted from July 22 to 24. Additional inspection will follow on July 25. Subsequently, Operations Control Centre shall also be inspected on July 25".

The fully elevated 19.15-km corridor comprises 16 stations and was originally slated for completion in December 2021. However, the corridor has faced repeated delays.

Sources said BMRCL has drawn up three potential operational plans: i) operate all 16 stations with a frequency of 24 minutes, ii) run trains between RV Road and Bommasandra with a reduced number of seven stations iii) operate services between Bommasandra and Central Silk Board alone.

“A decision on operations will be taken based on the CMRS report and in consultation with the Union and state governments,” a source told Moneycontrol.

Also, read: Bengaluru’s Electronics City Metro: 3 trains, 7 stations, BMRCL charts August launch plan

The CMRS is expected to inspect the track, signaling systems, sub-systems, viaducts, physical structures, station amenities, etc. Once the CMRS gives the nod and BMRCL complies with the conditions laid out, the Yellow Line’s opening will be finalised in consultation with both the Union and state governments.

At present, BMRCL has only three trains. “The fourth train set is already undergoing testing at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited and is likely to be dispatched by July 28, 2025, and delivered to the Hebbagodi depot by August 12, 2025. Additionally, four CBTC trains will be dispatched by October 2025. By mid-November, we will be able to operate seven trains for passenger service (with one train reserved for maintenance), ensuring a headway of 10 minutes with all stations in operation,” said an official.

PM likely to inaugurate in August

Sources said preparations are on to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration in August. A document reviewed by Moneycontrol reveals BMRCL has roped-in a private firm “to make a documentary film covering the route, stations, and aerial drone visuals to be showcased during the inaugural programme, tentatively scheduled during the first or second week of August 2025.”

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

“PM is likely to inaugurate the Yellow Line - RV Road to Bommasandra-and also dedicate the Green Line extension from Nagasandra to Madavara,” the note said. Yellow Line has stations including RV Road, Ragigudda, Jayadeva, BTM Layout, Central Silk Board, Bommanahalli, Hongasandra, Kudlu Gate, Singasandra, Hosa Road, Beretena Agrahara, Electronics City, Huskur Road, Hebbagodi, and Bommasandra. Green Line extension has stations like Majunathanagar, Chikkabidarakallu, and Madavara.

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