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The Yellow Line of Namma Metro, connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra, is set to begin operations in August 2025. Initially, three trains will operate across 16 stations along the 19.15 km stretch.
The expected daily ridership at launch is around 25,000, with projections indicating an increase to 2 lakh commuters once the line is fully operational by next year.
While the plan is to open all 16 stations from the start, there is a possibility that only seven key stations will be made operational initially to address early-stage challenges. A senior official from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) stated, "We are evaluating both options, though our preference is to open all stations from day one."
Namma Metro Yellow Line Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Expected Operational Date | August 2025 (pending CMRS approval) |
| Route | R.V. Road to Bommasandra |
| Total Length | 18.82 - 19.15 km (sources differ slightly) |
| Total Stations | 16 stations planned; may start with all or just 7 major stations |
| Initial Trains | 3 trains at launch |
| Operational Hours | 5 AM to 11 PM |
| Initial Frequency | Every 20 minutes (with 3 trains); 30-40 round trips per day |
| Projected Initial Ridership | 25,000 passengers per day |
| Projected Future Ridership | 150,000-200,000 passengers per day (with all 15 trains) |
| Initial Daily Revenue | ₹10-15 lakh (with 3 trains) |
| Projected Daily Revenue | ₹60 lakh (with 15 trains, full scale) |
| Major Interchanges | R.V. Road (Green Line), Jayadeva Hospital (future Pink Line), Central Silk Board (future Blue Line) |
| CMRS Inspection | Conducted July 22-25, 2025; final launch pending approval and implementation of recommendations |
| Special Start Measures | Full staffing, selective entry/exit at busy stations, crowd management strategies |
| Note on Delays | Originally scheduled for 2021, delayed multiple times; expansion expected in 2026 |
Revenue and Passenger Forecasts
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) anticipates earning ₹10-15 lakh per day in fare revenue during the initial phase of Yellow Line operations, when only three trains will be running. Once the line is fully functional with all 15 trains in service, daily revenue is projected to rise to around ₹60 lakh, with estimated ridership reaching between 1.5 to 2 lakh passengers.
Should all stations be operational from day one, trains will run from 5 AM to 11 PM at 20-minute intervals, completing roughly 30 to 40 round trips each day. Each round trip will take about 80 minutes. However, if only seven stations are opened initially, the reduced distance and fewer stops may allow for increased train frequency and shorter travel times.
Crowd Management Measures
BMRCL is preparing to deploy a full team of staff from day one, including train operators and security personnel, to ensure smooth operations and manage crowds effectively. At busy interchange stations like RV Road, selective entry points may be opened to regulate passenger flow, along with other strategies to control congestion. "Not everyone is willing to wait 20 minutes for a train," noted a senior official.
A fourth train is expected to arrive by August 10. However, it must undergo extensive testing at both the depot and on the mainline, a process that typically takes at least two weeks. If passenger services start before the train is ready, mainline tests will likely be conducted at night, which could postpone its inclusion in regular service.
Ongoing CMRS Inspection
Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (Southern Circle), A M Chowdhary, began the mandatory three-day inspection of the Yellow Line on Monday. On the first day, he evaluated Reach 5, covering roughly 25% of the total inspection.
The CMRS is expected to submit its report within a week. Following this, BMRCL will require some time to address any recommendations or compliance issues before commencing passenger services. According to Yashwant Chavan, BMRCL's Chief Public Relations Officer, the final go-ahead for operations will be issued only after CMRS clearance.
The official launch date hinges on both CMRS approval and BMRCL's readiness to act on the inspection outcomes. Limited operations may begin initially, with full-scale service expansion projected for 2026.
This inspection marks the final milestone before the much-delayed Namma Metro Yellow Line becomes operational. Originally slated for completion in 2021, the project has faced several setbacks but is now approaching completion.
