Bengaluru's tech hub Electronics City, home to companies like Infosys and Biocon, is now a step closer to Metro connectivity. Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) initiated slow trial runs on March 7 on the Yellow Line (Bommasandra - RV Road), a development eagerly awaited by residents.

"This is the first time a six-coach train was operated on the main line of this new standalone corridor. The trial run covered the section between Bommasandra and Bommanahalli stations on the Yellow Line," said a BMRCL official.

The trial run, starting from Hebbagodi depot, maintained a speed of 10kmph. The train reached Bommasandra station at 7:14 pm and Bommanahalli station at 8:05 pm, assessing various parameters on the route. Plans include gradually increasing speed in the coming days.

Jithendra Jha, project manager for rolling stock at BMRCL, stated, "We will be conducting trial runs between Bommasandra and Central Silk Board in the coming days. The trial run on the remaining Central Silk Board - RV Road section will commence in April."

The Yellow Line, spanning 18.8 km and connecting RV Road with Bommasandra, aims to benefit residents and employees in areas such as Jayanagar, BTM Layout, HSR Layout, Electronics City, and Bommasandra Industrial Area.

Equipped with the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) System, the trains reduce headway to 90 seconds. Safety tests by RDSO and CMRS are planned, with operations set to commence by December 2024.

BMRCL plans to invite CRS for safety clearance by October, initiating the remaining test runs with three trains. The development marks a significant stride in Bengaluru's Metro expansion efforts.