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Bangalore Metro: Delays, Progress, Controversy & More
Bangalore Metro is at a pivotal phase, with major progress - and setbacks - unfolding across key lines. The much-awaited Yellow Line continues to face delays due to signalling issues and train shortages, pushing its launch to late 2024. Meanwhile, the Pink Line moves ahead steadily, with electrification trials underway on its elevated stretch, raising hopes for timely completion. Parallelly, an issue is brewing between Amul and Nandini, further complicating the overall development of the metro.
Bangalore Metro: Yellow Line
The much-anticipated Yellow Line of Bengaluru's Namma Metro faces further delays. Initially expected to be operational by mid-2024, it is now unlikely to open before late July or August due to critical issues with the train signalling system.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials cited pending Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) approvals for signalling systems as the cause of the delay. Siemens India Ltd., responsible for the Yellow Line's signalling contractor, found glitches in software datasets during review.
The delay is compounded by issues with train availability. Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), supplying rolling stock for the Yellow Line, is behind schedule. However, production is now on track. Of six trains needed to start operations, three have arrived from China.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had set a May 2025 deadline for Yellow Line operations. Despite this target, repeated delays have put the project under increased scrutiny.
Bangalore Metro: Pink Line
BMRCL has started third rail electrification testing on the Pink Line's elevated section between Jayadeva and Tavarekere stations. This phase involves powering trains via a track-level electric rail and marks one of several tests before passenger operations can begin.
The trial currently covers a 7.5km elevated portion of the 21.2km line from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara. Civil work on this section is complete, with 6 stations preparing for further validations.
Following third rail testing are signal system trials, telecommunication tests, and loading assessments expected to take four months. Detailed safety documentation will then be submitted to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for final approval before commercial operations commence.
The Pink Line project is executed in two phases: an elevated stretch nearing final testing and an underground portion from Dairy Circle to Nagawara almost 90% complete.
To avoid delays like those seen with the Yellow Line, BMRCL contracted BEML to supply 138 coaches assembled into 23 six-car trains. Each coach costs Rs 9.99 crore with Rs 1.3 crore allocated for maintenance over 15 years.
Bangalore Metro: Amul Vs Nandini
The Karnataka government faces criticism from opposition parties over allowing Amul to set up kiosks at 10 Bengaluru Metro stations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) accuse the ruling Congress party of neglecting the promotion of Nandini, the flagship brand of the state-run Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) granted approval for Amul's kiosks after a tender process. However, opposition parties argue that these prime retail spaces should have been reserved for Nandini outlets to support local farmers and boost the state's dairy industry.
A BMRCL official confirmed that Amul currently operates kiosks at Benniganahalli and Byappanahalli Metro stations. Plans are underway to open more outlets at Pattandur Agrahara, Indiranagar, Trinity Circle, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Jayanagara, Majestic, National College, and Banashankari stations. The official stated that both Nandini and Amul are treated equally as long as they pay rent.
Nandini had previously opened outlets at MG Road, Mahalakshmi, and Vijayanagar stations. However, only the Vijayanagar outlet remains operational. This situation has reignited a longstanding rivalry between Amul and KMF's Nandini brand in Karnataka.
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