BENGALURU: Bengaluru-headquartered public sector undertaking BEML Ltd on Thursday rolled out the much-awaited prototype train for Namma Metro’s Pink Line, signalling a crucial milestone in the progress of Phase 2 of the city’s expanding metro network. The development has revived expectations that the 7.5-km elevated stretch of the Pink Line may open for public use by May 2026, subject to statutory approvals and the timely completion of testing.

The sleek, six-coach prototype was unveiled at the BEML Rail Complex in New Thippasandra in the presence of senior leadership including BEML Chairman and Managing Director Shantanu Ray and BMRCL Managing Director J Ravishankar. A short test run was also demonstrated for officials and engineers in attendance. According to BEML, the newly rolled-out train will be transported by trailers to the Kothanur depot, around 20 km away, over the next few days.

Delays and delivery timeline

The prototype, originally scheduled for delivery in June 2025, has seen delays due to shortages of critical components as well as hold-ups in mandatory type testing. These challenges were earlier reported in November, when BMRCL officials indicated that component supply chains were being streamlined to minimise further delays. Despite the revised timeline, the rollout of the prototype marks a significant step forward for the Pink Line project, which is being developed across both elevated and underground sections.

A major contract for Bengaluru’s metro expansion

BEML secured a ₹3,177-crore contract on 7 August 2023 to manufacture and supply 53 driverless trainsets for the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Of these, 37 trainsets are earmarked for the Blue Line (Silk Board Junction–KR Pura–Kempegowda International Airport, 58.19 km), and 16 trainsets will serve the Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara–Nagawara, 21.26 km).

In March 2025, BEML received a ₹405-crore top-up order for seven additional Pink Line trains, followed by a ₹414-crore order last week for six trains for the Yellow Line. The PSU has earlier manufactured 57 trains for the already-operational Green and Purple lines, making it one of the key contributors to Bengaluru’s metro ecosystem.

Statutory approvals and next steps

Once the train reaches the Kothanur depot, BMRCL will begin the process of seeking statutory approvals from the Ministry of Railways, the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). These approvals are mandatory before a new class of rolling stock can be deployed on the network.

The trainsets will then undergo a comprehensive testing and commissioning programme, followed by trial runs in accordance with BMRCL’s implementation roadmap. BEML has also committed to providing maintenance support for up to 15 years, ensuring long-term operational reliability.

The company emphasised that the prototype reflects its growing capabilities in developing driverless (GoA4) metro systems, with all engineering and design work completed by in-house teams.

Opening plans for the Pink Line

The Pink Line is planned to open in two phases:

  • Elevated section (Kalena Agrahara–Tavarekere, 7.5 km): May 2026
  • Underground section (Dairy Circle–Nagawara, 13.76 km): December 2026

A senior BMRCL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the first elevated stretch would likely commence operations with six trains, sufficient to manage initial passenger demand.

Key features of the new trainsets

The Pink Line’s new rolling stock incorporates several modern features designed to improve comfort, safety, and operational efficiency:

  • Contemporary interiors designed for enhanced commuter comfort
  • Energy-efficient systems with upgraded passenger information features
  • Extra-wide gangways for seamless movement between coaches
  • USB charging ports and ergonomic seating
  • Improved accessibility features for elderly and disabled passengers
  • Compliance with advanced fire-safety and crashworthiness standards
  • Compatibility with CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) for fully driverless operations

These features are expected to make the Pink Line one of the most technologically advanced metro corridors in the country.

Conclusion

The rollout of the Pink Line prototype marks a major step forward for Bengaluru’s metro expansion and reinforces BEML’s position as a leading manufacturer of driverless urban transit systems. With statutory approvals and phased openings underway, the Pink Line is set to significantly improve connectivity between southern and northern Bengaluru, easing commute time for lakhs of passengers.