Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) received a six-coach driverless train from Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the upcoming Blue Line corridor. The train will eventually operate on the airport-bound Metro route, bringing advanced automation to Namma Metro.
Driverless Technology Joins Namma Metro
The Blue Line trains are being designed for driverless operations, equipped with modern control and safety systems. They will undergo extensive testing before passenger services begin, ensuring reliability and safety for commuters.
Corridor to Serve IT Hub
The 19-km Phase 2A section of the Blue Line will connect Central Silk Board and K.R. Puram, running along the Outer Ring Road. This corridor is expected to serve one of Bengaluru's busiest IT and business districts, aiming to ease traffic congestion on the stretch.
Opening Targeted by End-2026
BMRCL is aiming to open the Silk Board-K.R. Puram section by the end of 2026. Construction is progressing across stations and viaducts along the route, though work at several locations remains underway.
BEML to Supply 16 Trainsets
BEML is scheduled to supply 16 trainsets for the Blue Line's Phase 2A corridor. The trains are being manufactured in Bengaluru and delivered in phases, with Thursday's rollout marking the beginning of that supply programme.
Airport Link to Follow Next
Beyond K.R. Puram, the Blue Line will extend to Kempegowda International Airport. The airport section is expected to be completed after the ORR stretch, providing direct Metro connectivity to the airport once operational.
Lessons from Yellow Line Delays
The Blue Line rollout comes after Namma Metro's experience with delays in procuring trains for the Yellow Line. While infrastructure was largely ready, train shortages delayed passenger operations. Authorities are now working to ensure smoother delivery schedules.
Key Milestone for Metro Expansion
The arrival of the new train marks an important step in Bengaluru's Metro expansion plans. With rolling stock deliveries now underway, attention will shift to testing and completion of corridor infrastructure. The Blue Line is expected to transform connectivity across the city's eastern and northern corridors.
