Bengaluru Metro Milestone: BEML Delivers First Blue Line Train Set

Bengaluru Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has delivered the first six-coach driverless train set for Bengaluru Metro’s Blue Line, marking a major milestone in the city’s ongoing metro expansion.

The train was transported from BEML’s manufacturing facility in CV Raman Nagar to the Byappanahalli depot, where it will undergo initial depot-level testing. Since construction of the Blue Line depot is still in progress, the train will remain at the Bay Line until the dedicated facilities and corridor infrastructure are ready.

The Blue Line will run along the Outer Ring Road (ORR), one of Bengaluru’s busiest commercial corridors, serving major IT hubs, business parks, and high-density residential areas. The project is expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve connectivity for thousands of daily commuters.

Before passenger operations begin, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will conduct at least five months of extensive testing. The new train features advanced technologies, including driverless operation capability, LCD-based animated route map displays, and enhanced safety systems.

BMRCL is also considering the addition of luggage racks in future train sets. While the first rake does not include them, BEML has been asked to refine the design before they are introduced in subsequent deliveries.

Construction of the Blue Line is progressing steadily, with the 18-km elevated section between Central Silk Board and KR Pura targeted for completion by December 2026.

Meanwhile, work on the Pink Line is also advancing. BEML has already supplied six train sets for the corridor, and BMRCL plans to begin operations on the 7.5-km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere by August 15. The remaining 13.7-km underground section between Dairy Circle and Nagawara is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Both the Blue and Pink lines will use Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling technology, similar to that deployed on the Yellow Line between RV Road and Bommasandra. The system supports high levels of automation and will eventually enable fully driverless Grade of Automation 4 (GoA-4) operations.

However, train operators will initially remain onboard even after driverless services are introduced to ensure operational reliability and help passengers adapt to the new technology.

The arrival of the first Blue Line train represents a significant step forward in Bengaluru Metro’s next phase of expansion and modernization.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.