Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is set to launch India’s first driverless metro train services in a few months. The first six-coach train has arrived from China and is now stationed at the Hebbagodi depot in Electronic City. This train will operate on the Yellow Line, running from RV Road to Electronic City via Silk Board.
Manufactured by a Chinese firm under a Rs 1,578 crore contract awarded in 2019, BMRCL plans to introduce 216 coaches for the metro. The first batch, consisting of 15 trains with 90 coaches, will service the Yellow Line. A sample train reached Chennai port on February 8 after being shipped from China on January 24. Following various tests, results were submitted to the Railway Department for technical approval. BMRCL officials estimate the entire approval process will take five to six months.
Although civil and track work on the Yellow Line is complete, trial runs have yet to begin due to the unavailability of coaches. The trial run will commence once the prototype six-coach train is installed. The 19.15 km Yellow Line will be the first to feature these driverless trains, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of Bengaluru’s public transportation system.
