‘Open the Yellow Line': Public frustration peaks over constant deferral of metro launch
The much-anticipated corridor, which links R.V. Road with Bommasandra via the tech hub of Electronics City, remains unopened despite civil work being largely completed. This stretch holds strategic importance for Bengaluru's southern zones, especially for thousands of IT professionals commuting daily to and from Electronics City. Yet, due to multiple delays in rolling out trains and final safety clearances, the line has failed to become operational, inviting criticism and protest.
Lack of sufficient trains
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has repeatedly shifted deadlines, resulting in a total erosion of public trust. 'We don't believe any timeline they give anymore. They have moved the goalpost so many times that people have stopped making plans around it. It's disappointing how such an important transport project can be delayed without accountability,' said Ashwin Hegde, a resident of Bomanahalli.
Poornima Murthy, a software engineer working in Electronics City, said, 'I was genuinely excited about using the Yellow Line since the BTM Layout station is just a five-minute walk from my home. I have been waiting for years, but nothing has happened. It's a reflection of how poorly our systems are functioning.'
The primary roadblock, according to BMRCL, is the lack of sufficient trains to operate the corridor. Officials have said that they are aiming to obtain clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) by July mid with the aim of launching commercial operations by the end of July or the first week of August, using only three available trains to begin with.
Coach supply contract
The source of the delay lies in the coach supply contract awarded to Chinese firm CRRC in 2019. The ₹1,578-crore contract required CRRC to supply 216 coaches and establish a manufacturing unit in India. However, the company failed to meet this condition, severely disrupting the project timeline. BMRCL reportedly issued several notices to CRRC and even considered invoking a ₹372-crore bank guarantee due to non-compliance.
To rescue from this situation, CRRC partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, based in Kolkata. While this collaboration helped resume deliveries, the backlog and logistical challenges continued to slow progress. As a result, only two train sets were available for trial runs, which commenced on March 7, 2024, according to officials.
Tejasvi Surya to protest
Meanwhile, the delays have prompted Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya to call for public protest. 'Join in large numbers at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday at Lalbagh Main Gate as we march to the BMRCL Head Office in Shantinagar and demand. #YellowLineOpenMadi,' Surya posted on X.
He further added, 'Plagued by years of delay, the all-important Yellow Line between R.V. Road and Bommasandra is still not operational despite BMRCL missing multiple deadlines. Bengalureans continue to face daily traffic snarls, especially at Silk Board junction and other parts of the IT/BT corridor this line passes through. Our patience has worn thin. We feel taken for granted. This is not acceptable. It's time we speak to BMRCL in one voice.'
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