Start of service in Bengaluru MetroThe Yellow Line is expected to be delayed by six months.

The ground work of the metro line is expected to be completed soon. However, according to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the metro coaches, which will be deployed on the route, have not yet arrived from China.

However this is not the only reason behind the delay. According to the contract with the Chinese coach supply company, some engineers were required to accompany two prototype trains for initial testing. His visit to India has been delayed due to visa issues.

A source close to the development told The Hindu that the metro coaches have already been sent from China and the engineers nominated for the project have also cleared their visas for India. After delivery of the prototype trains, BMRCL will require three more months to complete the remaining formalities. After the trial run, the Bengaluru Metro authority will have to apply for approval for commercial operation of those new coaches.

“Upon receiving the prototype train, BMRCL will require at least three months to conduct trial runs and obtain approval for commercial operations. Prototype coaches have already been sent from China and engineers from there are scheduled to reach Bengaluru to test the coaches. His visa was approved recently, and he is expected to reach here by the end of this month,” the official said, as quoted by The Hindu.

Earlier in 2019, BMRCL had signed a contract worth Rs 1,578 crore with a Chinese factory called China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) to deliver 216 metro coaches to operate on the Yellow Line. Deliveries did not take place because the company failed to set up manufacturing plants in India during this period.

Additionally, the launch of Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line is expected to be delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct for the general elections. According to the said source, BMRCL is planning to start the service once the testing of coaches and signaling system is completed in July this year.

“A seamless interface between the trainset and the signaling system is essential. After this, oscillation tests will be conducted through the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO),” the official told The Hindu.

BMRCL had earlier sent several notices to the CRRC considering the option of encashing its bank guarantee of Rs 372 crore. The organization later partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Wagons to supply the remaining metro coaches.

Once the service begins, the 19-km Yellow Line of the Bengaluru Metro, which extends from RV Road via Electronic City to Bommasandra, will ease travel between the southern and southeastern parts of the city.