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The opening of the Yellow Line a month ago has boosted overall ridership on Namma Metro, leading to heavy crowding on the Purple and Green Metro lines during peak hours, irrespective of 55 trains serving passengers and making 348 trips daily on these Metro Lines. Trains are so packed that
security staff often push commuters inside to close the doors on time for safety.
Reason Behind Bangalore's Yellow Metro Line Overcrowding
Currently, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) operates 57 trains on the 77 km Purple and Green Metro network but cannot add more because all three lines depend on trainsets supplied by the same manufacturer, CRRC from China. In December 2019, BMRCL placed an order for 126 coaches for the Purple and Green Metro lines, along with 90 for the Yellow Line. However, deliveries have slowed due to delays in production and shipping, and only four trainsets have been ordered for the Yellow Line, one directly from China and three built by CRRC's Indian partner, Titagarh Rail Systems. The 19 km line started operations with just three trains, running every 25 minutes, and a fourth train was added on September 10, whose frequency was improved to 19 minutes.
An official of BMRCL stated that high waiting times are still occurring despite increased frequencies, and eight more trains are needed to lower the frequency to 10 minutes while keeping some for maintenance, as shipping delays are affecting further arrivals. After receiving eight trainsets, BMRCL plans to shift focus to adding new trains to the Purple and Green Metro lines. A prototype for the Purple Line has already arrived and is under testing at night.
Commuters stated that overcrowding has worsened travel since the Yellow Line launch, as daily ridership has increased to 10 lakh currently, emphasizing the urgency of new trains.
