Bengaluru is set to celebrate the 70th Karnataka Rajyotsava with a significant improvement to its Namma Metro services. From November 1, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will introduce a fifth train on the much-needed Yellow Line, aiming to alleviate the severe overcrowding commuters have been facing.
This new addition is expected to considerably boost connectivity and reduce waiting times along the 19-kilometer Yellow Line, which stretches between R.V. Road and Bommasandra. Officials confirm that the train frequency during peak hours will improve from the current 19 minutes to a more efficient 15 minutes. While the frequency is increasing, the first and last train timings from both terminals will remain unchanged, ensuring consistent service for thousands of daily passengers.
The fifth trainset arrived at the Hebbagodi depot on September 30, 2025, after being dispatched from Kolkata-based Titagarh Rail Systems Limited on September 19. Following its arrival, it underwent a rigorous 20-day testing cycle to ensure operational readiness.
The Yellow Line, a vital metro corridor in Bengaluru, was initially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10 and opened to the public the following day. It serves to connect the city’s southern neighborhoods and the bustling Electronics City to the wider metro network. However, the line launched with only three trains, leading to considerable frustration with waiting times exceeding 25 minutes during peak hours. The introduction of a fourth train on September 10 offered a slight improvement, bringing the frequency down to 19 minutes.
With the fifth train now joining the fleet, officials anticipate further easing of congestion. While this is a welcome step, more trains will be necessary to achieve optimal service levels. Notably, each train on this corridor is equipped with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, enabling future driverless operations – a first for Namma Metro. Although the CBTC system has the potential to shorten the gap between trains from 150 seconds to just 90 seconds, services are currently being operated manually by trained locomotive pilots as part of the initial implementation phase.