Last updated:
Metro planners say that once enough trains are added, driverless operation allows for highly efficient scheduling and better adherence to timetables.
If the timelines hold true, the train is expected to be introduced into passenger service before the end of December. (Image: X)
Bengaluru’s metro network continues to expand its operational capacity, with another train for the Yellow Line reaching the city. The latest addition is expected to strengthen services on the corridor, which connects major residential and industrial areas in south Bengaluru.
This means that the waiting time for Yellow Line passengers in Bengaluru will be reduced. The city’s metro network has received a timely boost with the arrival of the sixth driverless train set for the Yellow Line, a development that is expected to reduce long gaps between services and improve the daily commute for thousands of commuters.
The new train reached Hebbagodi depot on 3 December after transportation from Kolkata. Metro officials say this additional rake will play an important role in improving the reliability and frequency of services on the Yellow Line, which has faced criticism from passengers due to long wait times since its launch.
what has been the problem so far
Since the start of commercial operations in August, the Yellow Line has been operating with a limited fleet. With only 5 train sets available as of now, services are running at intervals of approximately 15 to 18 minutes. During peak office hours, this low frequency often translates into crowded platforms and longer travel times.
Commuters traveling to major industrial and employment centers along the corridor have repeatedly marked waiting times as their biggest concern. This issue is expected to be resolved directly with the arrival of the sixth train.
How will the new train help passengers?
Once the newly arrived train completes the mandatory testing and commissioning, officials hope that the gap between trains will be reduced to about 10 to 12 minutes. While still higher than the gaps on the older Metro corridor, this reduction marks a notable improvement for regular Yellow Line users.
Metro planners say each additional train on this corridor has a major impact, as the line is currently operating close to its minimum viable capacity. Even a single rake allows strict scheduling and smooth peak-hour operations.
More trains lined up in the coming weeks
The sixth train is not the last additional train for the Yellow Line. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited has indicated that 2 more driverless train sets are expected to arrive in December and early January.
With these additions, the Yellow Line is expected to move slowly toward very little progress. By early 2026, Metro officials aim to operate trains every 5 minutes on this corridor, bringing it at par with the Purple and Green Lines.
For passengers, this will transform the Yellow Line from an emerging service to a full-fledged urban transit corridor.
Why is the Yellow Line an important route?
The Yellow Line extends for 19.15 km, connecting RV Road in the city to the industrial hub of Bommasandra. The route serves electronics manufacturing areas, industrial estates and rapidly growing residential areas, making it one of the most important links to South Bengaluru.
Although the opening of the line was a major milestone in itself, its success largely depended on how frequently trains ran. Adequate rolling stock is important to unlock the full potential of the line and ensure that passengers choose the metro rather than road travel.
What happens before passengers board?
The new train has been kept at Hebbagodi depot, where it will undergo a series of inspections, trial runs and system integration checks. Since the Yellow Line uses driverless technology, the testing process is more extensive than that of traditional metro corridors.
The train must be fully synchronized with signaling systems, platform screen doors and automated operation before it can be cleared for commercial service. Officials say this process is necessary to maintain security and reliability.
If the timelines hold true, the train is expected to be introduced into passenger service before the end of December.
A small step, but meaningful progress
For Bengaluruans, Metro updates are often associated with delays and long waits. In that backdrop, the arrival of an additional train set provides concrete progress rather than just an announcement.
Metro planners say that once enough trains are added, driverless operation allows for highly efficient scheduling and better adherence to timetables. The sixth train is seen as a building block for that phase.
What can travelers expect next?
In the short term, Yellow Line passengers can expect reduced wait times and some relief during peak hours. Over the next few months, as more trains come up and running, the service is expected to become more predictable and crowding less.
As the year comes to an end, the arrival of the sixth driverless train brings a simple but welcome message to Bengaluruans: better metro service on the Yellow Line is no longer just a promise – it is starting to take shape.
December 04, 2025, 10:34 IST
stay ahead, read fast
Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere.
