The Railway Board has approved a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train service between Yelahanka and Arsikere, to take effect from July 14. The service was authorised to improve regional connectivity and provide additional commuting options for passengers travelling between Bengaluru suburb Yelahanka and the intervening towns en route to Arsikere. The new train is part of efforts to augment local rail services in the region. MEMU trains are electric multiple units suited to suburban and short distance services and allow faster turnaround at stations.

Train number 66505 Yelahanka–Arsikere MEMU will depart Yelahanka at 6.45 am and reach Arsikere at 11 am, serving key intermediate stations along the route. The corresponding return service, train number 66506 Arsikere–Yelahanka MEMU, will depart Arsikere at 2.10 pm and arrive at Yelahanka at 7.15 pm. The timings are intended to cater to both morning outbound and afternoon return travel patterns. The service will also serve suburban localities along the corridor, enabling easier transfers to other local modes.

The service will operate with eight MEMU coaches and is scheduled to run six days a week, with no service on Sunday. Coaches designed for suburban and short distance travel are expected to offer frequent boarding and alighting points for commuters. The composition and frequency are aimed at easing congestion on parallel road corridors and offering a reliable alternative for daily travellers.

Rail authorities indicated that the introduction of the service follows operational assessments and ridership considerations, and that crew and rolling stock allocations have been finalised for the launch. Local commuters and traders are likely to benefit from improved timings and additional seating options for intermediate journeys. The MEMU service will commence from July 14 and will be monitored for performance and potential further enhancements. Performance metrics such as punctuality and ridership will inform any future adjustments to frequency or stopping patterns.