BMRCL Receives Train Prototype for Operational Metro Lines

17 Jan 2025 CW Team

On January 15, 2025, Namma Metro received a prototype of a train from the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) for its operational lines. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will conduct tests and trial runs over the next six to eight months.

In 2019, CRRC secured a contract to supply 216 metro cars (36 train sets) for the Yellow Line (RV Road to Bommasandra) and the operational Purple and Green Lines. Of these 36 trains, 21 will be six-coach units used on the two active lines.

Namma Metro currently operates a 77 km network, with passenger numbers steadily increasing. However, due to a shortage of trains, BMRCL cannot yet increase service frequency, and commuters, especially during peak hours, have expressed frustration over overcrowded trains.

After considerable delays, BMRCL received the DTG (distance-to-go) train prototype from China on January 12 at Peenya depot. Titagarh Rail Systems, contracted by CRRC to manufacture trains locally, will supply the remaining train sets in the near future. Yeshwanth Chavan, Chief PRO of BMRCL, stated that over the next several months, the trains will undergo static, electrical, and dynamic tests before receiving approval for passenger service. ""As per regulations, all new rolling stock must pass these tests before being deployed,"" he explained.

Currently, BMRCL operates 57 trains: 33 on the Purple Line and the remaining on the Green Line. A prototype for a driverless train for the Yellow Line was received in February 2024, with tests ongoing. The new train for the Yellow Line, produced by Titagarh, is expected to reach Bengaluru by January 20.

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