Bengaluru, August 11, 2025 – After years of anticipation, the Yellow Line of Namma Metro welcomed its first wave of public passengers today, marking a historic moment in the city’s transportation journey. Services began at 5 a.m., offering commuters a long-awaited relief from the gridlocked roads that have defined Bengaluru’s daily life.
Early Morning Excitement
From the break of dawn, eager commuters queued at stations across the 19-kilometer stretch connecting RV Road to Bommasandra. The new line includes 16 elevated stations and directly serves some of Bengaluru’s busiest residential, commercial, and industrial zones. The first trains, operated by three modern driverless trainsets, ran at intervals of 25 minutes.
Metro staff reported a steady flow of passengers from the very first hour, with many tech professionals heading toward Electronics City. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) estimates that the line could eventually carry up to 800,000 passengers daily once full operations begin.
Connecting the City’s Economic Hubs
For years, professionals working in Electronics City have endured notoriously long commutes along Hosur Road, one of the city’s most congested corridors. The Yellow Line changes that narrative by providing direct access to the tech cluster, home to global companies such as Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Siemens, and HP.
The new route also serves the Bommasandra Industrial Estate, which houses key manufacturing units and logistics centers. Workers who previously spent hours in traffic can now reach their workplaces in a fraction of the time.
Affordable and Convenient
On Day 1, passengers experienced the Yellow Line’s competitive fares, ranging from ₹10 to ₹90 depending on the distance traveled. The trains operate from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., aligning with existing metro schedules, and will increase frequency as more trainsets are deployed in the coming months.
Several key interchanges have been designed to ensure smooth connectivity with other lines. Passengers can transfer to the Green Line at RV Road, and in the future, they will be able to switch to the Pink Line at Jayadeva Hospital and the Blue Line at Central Silk Board once these are completed.
Commuter Voices on Day 1
For many passengers, the first ride was more than just a commute; it was the start of a new routine.
“I used to spend close to two hours in traffic every morning just to reach Electronics City. Today, I reached in under 40 minutes. It feels like a completely different city,” said S. Ramesh, a software engineer who boarded the train from BTM Layout.
Small business owners near metro stations also expressed optimism, anticipating increased foot traffic and higher sales.
A Step Towards Sustainable Travel
Beyond convenience, the Yellow Line is part of Bengaluru’s larger push toward sustainable public transport. Metro systems produce far fewer carbon emissions per passenger compared to cars or buses. The use of driverless train technology on this line also reflects the city’s shift toward modern, energy-efficient mobility solutions.
Urban transport experts believe that a significant shift from private vehicles to metro travel could lead to measurable improvements in air quality and a reduction in fuel consumption.
Looking Ahead
The BMRCL has confirmed that the Yellow Line will play a key role in the future integration of the metro network. While it does not currently connect directly to Kempegowda International Airport, planned links under Phase 2B and Phase 3 will allow seamless airport access. Authorities are also working on improving last-mile connectivity through feeder buses, bike-sharing services, and pedestrian-friendly station designs.
Final Word
The first day of public service on the Yellow Line has set an optimistic tone for Bengaluru’s commuting future. With punctual departures, clean coaches, and a strong passenger turnout, the launch signals that the city is ready to embrace modern public transport on a larger scale.
For the thousands who boarded the metro today, the ride was more than a new route; it was a promise of reclaimed time, reduced stress, and a greener Bengaluru. If early enthusiasm is any indication, the Yellow Line is poised to become one of the city’s most important lifelines.
