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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Yellow Line of Namma Metro on August 10. Spanning 19.15 km, this new metro line connects RV Road to Bommasandra in South Bengaluru.
With a project cost of ₹5,056.99 crore, the Yellow Line includes 16 stations aimed at easing traffic congestion in key areas like Silk Board Junction.
The line's construction began in 2017 following Central government approval. Although it was initially expected to be completed by early 2023, delays in the delivery of train sets pushed the civil work completion to 2024. While the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had earlier planned a partial opening with seven stations, it will now inaugurate all 16 stations at once.
Metro Expansion Initiatives
As part of Bengaluru's metro expansion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also lay the foundation stone for Phase 3 of the Namma Metro, known as the Orange Line, alongside the inauguration of the Yellow Line. This new phase will add 44.65 km of metro lines at an estimated cost of ₹15,611 crore, with completion targeted by the end of 2029.
The Orange Line will feature two corridors with a total of 31 stations, covering key stretches along Magadi Road and sections of the Outer Ring Road (ORR). It will connect JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura (Hebbal) and Hosahalli to Kadabagere. A notable feature of this phase is the use of a double-decker viaduct, designed to maximize space along existing roadways.
Challenges and Solutions
The Yellow Line project faced considerable delays primarily due to disruptions in the supply of metro coaches. Originally awarded to the Chinese firm CRRC, the contract ran into problems over non-compliance with local manufacturing requirements and diplomatic tensions following the Galwan clash in June 2020.
To overcome these hurdles, CRRC partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) to facilitate domestic manufacturing. However, further delays occurred due to difficulties in securing visas for Chinese engineers and late deliveries of propulsion systems from Japan. Despite these issues, trial runs began in November after the project received the necessary safety approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
Impact on Bengaluru's Urban Transit
Once launched, the Yellow Line is projected to serve nearly 8 lakh commuters each day, significantly improving connectivity between key residential and industrial hubs in South Bengaluru, including Electronic City. Alongside the upcoming Phase-3 expansions, the metro network is expected to benefit around 25 lakh residents in Bengaluru South alone.
Currently, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has three trains stationed at the Hebbagodi depot, with a fourth set en route. Upon arrival, the new train will undergo safety inspections. At full operational capacity-expected next year-the Yellow Line will run with a fleet of 15 trains.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in driving these urban transport initiatives. Local MP Tejasvi Surya highlighted that nearly ₹20,000 crore has been allocated exclusively for metro infrastructure development in Bengaluru South.
This initiative marks a major step forward for the city's public transportation system, promising to significantly improve urban mobility and reduce congestion across southern parts of Bengaluru.
