The much-delayed Yellow Line of Namma Metro is set to commence commercial operations by late January 2025, starting with three trains. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials confirmed that one train set will be delivered in December, followed by another in January. The delay in launching services, despite the completion of civil, electrical, and signalling works, is attributed to a shortage of train sets. Titagarh Wagons, the supplier, has faced delays in delivering the required trains. The company has committed to providing a six-coach train set in December and another in January, with plans to supply a total of 15 six-coach trains by August 2025. Initially, the Yellow Line will operate with three trains running at 30-minute intervals. Safety inspections by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) are expected by late December or early January. Service frequency will increase as additional trains are delivered. The 18.82 km Yellow Line connects RV Road and Bommasandra, featuring 16 stations and driverless trains. It has received technical clearances for signalling, traction, and braking systems from the Railway Safety Board. Titagarh Wagons is contracted to supply a total of 36 trains to Namma Metro, with 35 trains still pending delivery. Of these, one train will be imported from China, while the rest will be manufactured in West Bengal. Out of the 216 coaches to be delivered, 126 are allocated to the Purple and Green Lines, while 90 are designated for the Yellow Line. However, concerns remain regarding infrastructure at Bommasandra station, a critical endpoint of the Yellow Line. Despite serving thousands of commuters traveling to Jigani and Bommasandra industrial areas, as well as passengers heading to Chandapura and Attibele, the station lacks a pedestrian pathway. Public demand for better access has been growing, and BMRCL is under pressure to address this issue. The Yellow Line, once fully operational, is expected to significantly improve connectivity for Bengaluru’s southern industrial and residential areas. (ET)