2 days ago
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The prototype trainset for Bengaluru Metro’s much-awaited Pink Line is expected to be moved to the Kothanur depot within the next couple of days, with preparations under way to transport the six-coach trainsets by road, officials of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said.
Sources in BMRCL told The Hindu that the trainset, which was recently rolled out by BEML Ltd., will be dismantled and carried on trailers from the BEML Rail Complex at New Thippasandra to the Kothanur depot, a distance of nearly 20 km. “The entire exercise is expected to take a day, though the movement will be carried out exclusively during night hours, as the transport of heavy trailers is permitted only at night within city limits,” official said.
BEML had, on December 11, 2025, unveiled the prototype of its new driverless metro train developed for Namma Metro’s Phase-2 corridors, including Phase 2A and 2B. The Pink Line, one of the most anticipated stretches in Bengaluru’s metro network, will connect Kalena Agrahara in south Bengaluru to Nagawara in the north. The corridor is planned to be commissioned in two phases by the end of 2026.
A series of standard tests
Once the trainset reaches the depot, BMRCL will initiate the process of obtaining mandatory statutory clearances from the Ministry of Railways, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). Officials said, “The rolling stock will undergo a series of standard tests before being cleared for passenger operations”.
Meanwhile, BMRCL Managing Director J. Ravishankar on Friday inspected the Kothanur depot, where officials said all preparatory arrangements have been completed to receive the trainset and begin the testing phase. “During the visit, Mr. Ravishankar reviewed the progress of Pink Line construction works, including elevated stations and underground sections. The inspection covered underground stations and tunnel stretches between M.G. Road–Shivajinagar and Tannery Road–Venkateshpura, with an emphasis on adherence to timelines and seamless execution,” said, B.L. Yashwanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO), BMRCL
Under the current contract, BEML will supply 318 standard-gauge coaches for both the Pink Line and the Blue Line, which serve the Kempegowda International Airport. The trainsets, fully designed and manufactured at BEML’s Bengaluru facility, will be tested and commissioned as per BMRCL’s rollout schedule.
The ₹3,177-crore contract includes comprehensive maintenance support for up to 15 years, secured by BEML through a competitive bidding process.
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