The much-anticipated Bengaluru Metro Yellow Line, connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra, faces yet another hurdle, with operations delayed due to the non-availability of metro coaches. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) awarded a ₹1,578-crore contract in 2019 to China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) for 216 metro coaches, but contractual challenges and delays have left the project in limbo. While the infrastructure is ready, the absence of rolling stock underscores the need for stronger accountability mechanisms in public projects.
The delay has sparked widespread criticism, especially regarding the decision to rely on a Chinese firm. Rail activists have questioned why BMRCL bypassed proven Indian manufacturers like BEML. Bengaluru’s South MP has also sought accountability in Parliament, urging the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to expedite the project. BMRCL officials, however, assure that prototype testing is underway, and initial operations are expected by January 2025, albeit with just three train sets operating at 30-minute intervals. Full operational capacity with 15 train sets is projected for August 2025.
This delay adds to Bengaluru’s woes of traffic congestion and limited urban mobility. With over 1.5 lakh daily commuters anticipated on the Yellow Line, its non-availability exacerbates dependence on private vehicles, further increasing pollution and fuel consumption. Sustainable urban transport solutions like metros are crucial to mitigate Bengaluru’s environmental challenges, making such delays a setback for the city’s green ambitions.
The saga of the Yellow Line highlights a critical gap in project execution and foresight. While civil works were completed on schedule, a more robust framework for vendor selection and monitoring is essential to avoid repeating such lapses. Bengaluru, a city aspiring to be India’s innovation hub, must integrate sustainable practices and accountability to ensure its infrastructure meets the demands of a growing urban population.
