Commuters on Bengaluru's crucial Yellow Line, serving the tech hub of Electronic City, are set for a significant upgrade in service. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) is deploying a sixth train set on the route, which will slash the waiting time between trains from 15 minutes to just 12 minutes.
Steady Improvement in Service Frequency
The journey towards better connectivity on this vital corridor has been marked by consistent enhancements. The Yellow Line was inaugurated on August 10, 2025, with an initial fleet of only three trainsets. Recognizing the immediate demand, especially from thousands of IT professionals, BMRCL added a fourth train on September 10, which brought down the headway from 25 to about 19 minutes.
The service saw another boost on November 1, when a fifth train was introduced, reducing the interval to 15 minutes. The latest sixth train, manufactured by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in West Bengal, is slated for deployment in early December, enabling the improved 12-minute frequency.
Meeting High Demand and Future Expansion
The 19-kilometre line connecting R V Road to Bommasandra via Electronics City is a lifeline for the city's workforce. It currently serves approximately 80,000 passengers daily, including those who interchange from other lines. In a statement last month, BMRCL highlighted its commitment to passenger convenience, noting it was using 100% of the Yellow Line trains during peak hours, even operating temporarily without a spare train to maximize service.
Looking ahead, the corporation has laid the groundwork for further capacity expansion. In a major move, BMRCL has signed a Rs 414 crore deal with BEML Limited for six additional driverless trainsets. This order extends a contract originally awarded in August 2023.
Technological Advancements in New Trains
These future trainsets, meant for the Phase 2, Reach 5 corridor which includes the Yellow Line, will incorporate advanced features. According to BEML's December 3 statement, the new coaches will have:
- IP-based Passenger Announcement and Information Systems.
- A Passenger Saloon Surveillance System (PSSS) for onboard security.
- LCD-based Dynamic Route Maps.
- Electrically operated automatic doors synchronized with Platform Screen Doors.
Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, stated that these trains will significantly expand the operational capacity of the Bengaluru Metro to support the city's fast-growing mobility needs. This latest order increases BEML's total commitment for Phase 2, Reach 5 from 60 to 66 trainsets (396 cars).
The focus on augmenting the Yellow Line's fleet underscores its strategic importance in decongesting south Bengaluru's traffic and providing a reliable commute for the IT corridor, with promises of even better service as more trains arrive in the coming months.
