Namma Metro’s Yellow Line Marks Milestone with First Domestic Train Set Launch
Bengaluru, 6 January 2025: The first domestically manufactured train set for the Namma Metro’s Yellow Line was officially launched by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, in a virtual ceremony on Monday. This momentous event marks a significant achievement in Bengaluru’s ongoing efforts to tackle urban transport challenges. The launch of the train set, which was manufactured at Titagarh Rail Systems in Kolkata, signifies an important step towards the completion of the Yellow Line, a crucial part of the city’s metro expansion.
As Khattar addressed the gathering virtually, he emphasised that Bengaluru, a global IT hub, is continually evolving to address its urban mobility issues. The new metro connectivity is expected to benefit millions of residents by reducing traffic congestion and providing a sustainable alternative to traditional modes of transport. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who also spoke at the event, acknowledged the delay in the Yellow Line project, which was originally expected to be completed in 2017. However, he assured that with the arrival of the first train set, the project is now on track to be fully operational soon. Surya further mentioned that by February, another train set would be rolled out, with additional units to follow in March and April, speeding up the project’s progress.
The Yellow Line, once completed, will span 18.8 kilometres from RV Road to Bommasandra, with 16 stations along the way. It will connect key locations such as Electronic City and Silk Board, two of Bengaluru’s busiest areas. This new line is expected to alleviate congestion in these critical zones, providing seamless connections to other metro lines such as the Pink, Green, and Purple lines, thanks to its three interchange stations—Silk Board, RV Road, and Jayadeva. The train set, which is the first stainless steel model manufactured entirely in India by Titagarh Rail Systems, also represents a milestone in local manufacturing and technological advancements. According to Umesh Chowdhary, Managing Director of Titagarh Rail Systems, the new train set is equipped with advanced automation, allowing it to operate in driverless mode, a feature that enhances efficiency and safety for passengers.
Khattar, reflecting on the importance of the project, highlighted the broader significance of Namma Metro’s Yellow Line for Bengaluru’s development. “With the inauguration of this train set and the broader metro expansion, we are seeing the acceleration of India’s urban mobility journey,” Khattar said, underscoring that the project would greatly benefit the city’s residents. Looking ahead, Surya urged all stakeholders to prioritise the completion of the Yellow Line and reiterated the vision of expanding Bengaluru’s metro network to 317 km by 2031. This ambitious goal aligns with the city’s need to modernise and expand its public transport system to accommodate the growing population and reduce traffic-related challenges. The completion of the Yellow Line will be a game-changer for Bengaluru, easing the daily commute for lakhs of passengers, providing a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable transport option. With the successful launch of the domestically produced train set, the Namma Metro continues to set new benchmarks in India’s urban mobility sector, paving the way for a greener, more connected future for Bengaluru.
