Driverless metro train arrives in city; Yellow line to begin soon
The much-anticipated Namma Metro Yellow Line is nearing completion, with essential operational trials concluded. However, commercial services are yet to commence, disappointing commuters waiting for metro connectivity between RV Road and Bommasandra (18.8 km). The second driverless train has now arrived at Hebbagodi Depot from Titagarh Rail Systems.
According to BMRCL officials, the final signaling tests will be conducted with this train, and further trials will begin in March. The third train is expected by the end of March, with at least five trains required for commercial service. If deliveries proceed as planned, metro operations on the Yellow Line could start by May-June 2025 Out of the 36 trains ordered from Titagarh, only two (six-coach) trains have arrived. One train is to be imported from China, while the remaining 33 will be supplied from Titagarh’s West Bengal unit. Of the 216 coaches allotted, 126 are reserved for the Purple and Green Lines, while 90 are allocated to the Yellow Line.
Initially, only three trains will operate at 30-minute intervals. The driverless metro features cutting-edge technology, including Unattended Train Operation (UTO), an advanced monitoring system, and obstacle detection. Although designed for full automation, the trains will initially operate with loco pilots.
Yellow Line Signaling Test Completed
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has increased metro ticket prices by 49%, effective from today, impacting commuters. Meanwhile, the second signaling test on the Yellow Line has been successfully completed. BMRCL confirmed that this is the second train running on the Yellow Line. Additional train trials and the final signaling test are still pending. Following the completion of TS#2 signaling trials, other train tests will begin in the first week of March. The third train set is expected to arrive by March 2025. After this, an official announcement regarding the commercial operations of the Yellow Line is likely to be made.
