Namma Metro Receives Prototype Train from CRRC, Boosting Bengaluru’s Metro Capacity
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro (BMRCL) has received a prototype train manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC). The new train, which will be tested over the coming months, is set to address the growing demand for metro services in the city. The arrival of this prototype marks a crucial step towards enhancing the metro network, particularly along the Yellow Line, as well as the operational Purple and Green Lines.
In 2019, CRRC secured a contract to supply a total of 216 metro cars, which are divided into 36 train sets. These trains will serve the Yellow Line (RV Road to Bommasandra) and the operational Purple and Green Lines. Of the 36 sets, 21 are six-coach trains that will bolster the services on these existing metro lines. The new trains are expected to increase the frequency and capacity of services, addressing the growing needs of commuters in Bengaluru.
Namma Metro has been experiencing a surge in ridership, with the operational network now spanning 77 km. Despite the increasing patronage, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has struggled to meet the demand for more frequent services. The shortage of trains has left passengers, especially during peak hours, grappling with overcrowded coaches. The prototype train, which was shipped from China, arrived at the Peenya depot on January 12, 2025. Over the next six to eight months, BMRCL will conduct various tests, including static, electrical circuit, and dynamic tests, to ensure the trains meet safety and operational standards. Yeshwanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer of BMRCL, explained that all new rolling stock must undergo comprehensive testing and approval before being put into passenger service. Due to the complexity of the tests, including mainline testing on operational tracks, the process could take longer than initially expected.
The current fleet of Namma Metro consists of 57 train sets, with 33 deployed on the Purple Line, while the remaining trains serve the Green Line. The delay in receiving additional trains has compounded the problem of overcrowding during peak travel times. In February 2024, BMRCL had received another prototype train for the Yellow Line, and tests for that train are already underway. Another train, manufactured by Titagarh Rail Systems, is expected to reach Bengaluru by January 20, further contributing to the city’s metro fleet expansion. The arrival of these new trains comes at a time when the city is seeing a consistent increase in metro ridership. The expansion of the metro network is a much-needed solution to the city’s traffic woes, providing a more efficient and sustainable mode of transport. However, the shortage of trains has been a bottleneck in meeting passenger expectations for a reliable and frequent service. Once these trains pass all necessary tests and regulatory approvals, BMRCL expects them to significantly improve operational efficiency, offering better service and reducing overcrowding. The introduction of these trains will be a step forward in Namma Metro’s ongoing effort to modernise Bengaluru’s urban transport system and enhance the commuting experience for its citizens.
