Sun Feb 23 12:29:23 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Yellow Line Set for Driverless Train Inspection

**Bengaluru, February 24, 2025** – The highly anticipated Yellow Line of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro is one step closer to launch. The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) will inspect the line’s first driverless train on February 24th. This marks a significant milestone, as the line has faced substantial delays due to protracted coach deliveries.

The six-coach driverless train, manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), arrived in Bengaluru on February 14th, 2024. After undergoing rigorous internal testing, it is now ready for CMRS scrutiny. A BMRCL official confirmed that while this inspection focuses solely on the train, a comprehensive assessment of the entire Yellow Line is scheduled for the end of March.

The introduction of driverless trains signifies Bengaluru Metro’s transition to a Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. This advanced technology will significantly improve efficiency, reducing the interval between trains from 2.5 minutes to just 90 seconds. Although the trains are designed for autonomous operation, locomotive pilots will initially manage the transition.

The 19.15 km Yellow Line, stretching from R.V. Road to Bommasandra, will serve key areas like Electronics City. Its 16 elevated stations will connect with the Green and Pink lines, improving connectivity to major corporate hubs and South Bengaluru residential areas.

Previous delays stemmed from a 2019 contract with CRRC for 216 metro coaches. CRRC’s failure to establish a local manufacturing plant, as stipulated in the contract, caused significant setbacks. BMRCL responded with multiple notices and considered invoking a bank guarantee. CRRC has since partnered with Titagarh Wagons to complete the remaining deliveries. The remaining coaches are now being manufactured domestically.

Before commercial operation, the driverless trains must pass approximately 37 tests. These include system integration checks and safety assessments by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), followed by CMRS inspection and final approval from the Railway Board. Pending successful completion of all these stages, the Yellow Line is expected to be operational by April 2025.

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