Bengaluru Metro Faces Delays as Yellow Line Opening Rescheduled for 2025

Bengaluru Metro encountered significant project delays in 2024, affecting expansion timelines and postponing the Yellow Line opening until January 2025. Authorities cited rolling stock delivery issues as key causes. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line Delays Explained

Frequent setbacks slowed Bengaluru Metro’s growth, delaying major projects like the Yellow Line extension. Originally scheduled for December 2024, its launch has now shifted to January 2025.

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The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) attributed delays to incomplete rolling stock deliveries. A prototype train arrived at the Hebbagodi depot on February 14, 2024, and underwent static testing.

However, additional trains required for full operation are still pending delivery. The Yellow Line spans 18.82 kilometers, featuring 16 elevated stations designed to enhance connectivity in southern Bengaluru.

Key business hubs, including Infosys and Biocon, stand to benefit from improved transport options. The Yellow Line connects the Green Line at R.V. Road Station and the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital Station.

Future Bengaluru Metro Expansions and Challenges

Bengaluru Metro projects faced recurring delays due to logistical issues and supply chain disruptions. CRRC secured a ₹1,578-crore contract in 2019 to supply 216 metro coaches, but missed deadlines.

The company failed to establish an Indian manufacturing facility, breaching contract terms. Consequently, BMRCL issued notices and threatened to encash a ₹372-crore bank guarantee to cover losses.

In response, CRRC partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Wagons to expedite deliveries, but pending supplies still slowed progress. Meanwhile, only one metro extension—Green Line’s 3.14-kilometre segment—opened in 2024.

This stretch, running from Nagasandra to Madavara, began operations on November 7 after seven years of delays. The Karnataka Cabinet approved Red Line’s Phase 3A expansion on December 6, connecting Sarjapur to Hebbal.

Upcoming extensions include the Pink Line, with its first 7.5-kilometre phase opening in September 2025. The underground second phase, covering 13.8 kilometers, should launch by June 2026.

Bengaluru Metro’s growing network aims to ease congestion and support urban development. Yet, challenges such as infrastructure delays and procurement issues highlight the need for streamlined execution.

Authorities remain committed to addressing project hurdles and enhancing connectivity across Bengaluru. With careful planning, they expect future metro phases to proceed without further setbacks.

Source: swarajyamag.com

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