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BENGALURU: On the occasion of Karnataka Rajyotsava, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will induct the fifth train into service on the Yellow Line of Namma Metro from November 1, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of commuters battling overcrowding on the corridor. The 19-km Yellow Line, connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra, has been facing heavy passenger congestion since its inauguration due to the limited number of trains in operation. The new train, BMRCL officials said, will enhance frequency and reduce waiting times during peak hours. Frequency to improve to 15 minutes “With the induction of the fifth train, the frequency during peak hours will improve from 19 minutes to 15 minutes,” a senior BMRCL official said. The improved headway is expected to significantly ease rush-hour pressure, especially for commuters travelling to and from Electronics City, a major employment hub. Officials clarified that while frequency will increase, first and last train timings will remain unchanged from both terminals. “Regular operations will continue as usual, but passengers will benefit from reduced waiting time and better crowd management,” the official added. Fifth train arrives after testing BMRCL received the fifth trainset at its depot on September 30, following its dispatch from Kolkata-based Titagarh Rail Systems Limited on September 19. After arriving in Bengaluru, the train underwent a 20-day testing cycle before being cleared for operations. The addition marks another step in the gradual expansion of train availability on the Yellow Line. When the line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10 and opened to the public the next day, only three trains were in service. This led to long waiting times — sometimes over 25 minutes — and severe overcrowding during rush hours. The fourth trainset, introduced on September 10, had brought modest improvement, reducing wait times to around 19 minutes. However, commuters continued to report overcrowding during office hours. Yellow Line: Key link in city’s metro network The Yellow Line serves as a crucial metro corridor, connecting the city’s southern neighbourhoods and Electronics City — one of India’s largest IT hubs — to the broader Namma Metro network. With the city’s growing commuter base, the demand for frequent metro services on this stretch has surged. Transport experts say the addition of more trains will be key to ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient operations, particularly during morning and evening peaks. “A 10–12 minute frequency would be ideal for a corridor like the Yellow Line, given its ridership potential,” a metro analyst said. Advanced technology in operation Each train on the Yellow Line is equipped with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology — a system designed to enable driverless train operations and closer headways. While the CBTC system is capable of reducing the interval between trains from 150 seconds to just 90 seconds, BMRCL is currently operating the services manually with trained locomotive pilots. Once the CBTC system is fully commissioned, it is expected to enhance operational efficiency and improve service regularity. More trains expected soon BMRCL sources confirmed that additional trainsets are expected to arrive in the coming months to meet increasing passenger demand. “The goal is to steadily increase the number of trains on each line and achieve shorter headways, bringing Namma Metro closer to global urban transit standards,” an official said. For now, the induction of the fifth train marks a welcome upgrade for commuters, coinciding with the spirit of Rajyotsava celebrations and reinforcing Bengaluru’s commitment to better public transport infrastructure.
