While the Yellow Line has expanded metro connectivity in the city, ease of use, last-mile access, and train frequency remain key challenges.
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MURALI KUMAR K
Despite the much‑hyped opening of Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line, many commuters say reaching their destinations is still easier by car. With only three trains running at 25-minute intervals and multiple interchanges required, the convenience of private vehicles continues to outweigh the metro for many.
While BMRCL plans to increase frequency to 20 minutes soon, for now, long wait times, crowded platforms, and strenuous interchanges are pushing office-goers to stick with cars.
Bhavna(name changed), a tech professional living near Kudlu Gate, travels to ITPL three days a week. She tried the metro for a day and switched back to her car. “It takes me a little over two hours by metro, while I can reach my office in about an hour by car. The 25-minute wait between trains, overcrowded coaches, and difficult interchanges make the metro more exhausting,” she says. “To get to Whitefield, I have to change from Yellow to Green Line at RV Road, and then to Purple Line at Majestic, added Bhavna.
Rahul, another techie, says, “Even during non-peak hours, the trains are quite crowded. The convenience just isn’t there yet.”
Sucharita, who works in real estate and commutes from Bommasandra to Kundalahalli, says RV and Majestic interchanges are usually packed. “Switching from Yellow to Green, and Green to Purple is especially tough. During weekends, my metro ride often takes longer than driving.”
While the Yellow Line has expanded metro connectivity in the city, ease of use, last-mile access, and train frequency remain key challenges.
First day of operation
On its first day of operation, the Yellow Line recorded 83,000 passengers, according to BMRCL data, exceeding its projection of 25,000–30,000 riders. The RV Road interchange saw over 30,000 passengers switching between Yellow and Green lines on its first day.
The Yellow Line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10, connecting RV Road to Bommasandra through 16 stations.
Published on August 24, 2025
