Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has once again raised the issue of the delayed Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line in Lok Sabha, urging for its swift operationalization ahead of its likely August launch. Surya's demand comes amidst growing concerns over traffic congestion and the need for improved public transportation in the city.
The Yellow Line, a 19.15-km stretch connecting RV Road to Bommasandra, is crucial for linking major residential and industrial zones, including Electronics City. Initially slated for completion in 2021, the project has faced repeated delays, primarily due to a shortage of metro rolling stock.
During his address in the Lok Sabha, Surya highlighted the infrastructure deficit in Bengaluru and emphasized that expanding the metro network is the only sustainable solution to address the city's traffic woes. He requested the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to expedite the opening of the Yellow Line, which he believes will significantly decongest Bengaluru's roads and save commuting time for many. Once operational, the Yellow Line is expected to carry over 8 lakh passengers daily.
The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) recently conducted a safety inspection of the Yellow Line, a crucial step towards launching commercial operations. The inspection, which concluded on July 25, 2025, included checks on track conditions, structural safety, signaling systems, and station readiness. The CMRS report is expected soon, and BMRCL will require additional time to implement any recommended measures before commencing passenger operations.
BMRCL plans to initially operate the Yellow Line with three train sets, offering a frequency of one train every 20 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm. This would allow for 30–40 round trips daily. The initial ridership is projected to be around 25,000 passengers per day, but as more trains are added, the daily ridership could rise to 1.5 lakh or more. To manage potential overcrowding during peak hours, BMRCL may open only selected entrances at busy stations.
A fourth train is expected to arrive in Bengaluru by August 10 and will undergo testing for at least two weeks before entering service. Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) is manufacturing the trains for Namma Metro under a sub-contract with China's CRRC Nanjing Puzhen.
In addition to advocating for the Yellow Line, Surya also raised concerns about the recent hike in Namma Metro fares, criticizing the lack of transparency in the process. He pointed out that the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) report has not been made public and urged BMRCL to release it immediately. He also requested fast-track approval for the proposed Red Line, which is expected to further alleviate traffic congestion in the city.