Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has delivered the first driverless-capable train for Bengaluru Metro’s Blue Line, marking a major milestone in the development of the city’s Airport Metro corridor.
The six-coach train was handed over for the Outer Ring Road (ORR)-Airport Metro project and will now undergo extensive testing and validation at the Byappanahalli depot before entering passenger service.
Five months of testing ahead
Officials said the train will be subjected to rigorous trials for at least five months to assess safety, performance and system integration before receiving operational clearance.
The Blue Line’s 18-km elevated section between Central Silk Board and KR Pura is expected to be completed by December 2026. The remaining stretch connecting KR Pura to Kempegowda International Airport is targeted for completion by December 2027.
The corridor has been prioritised due to its importance in serving Bengaluru’s IT belt and easing congestion along the heavily trafficked Outer Ring Road.
Designed for airport travellers
The trains have been specially configured to cater to airport-bound passengers. Four of the six coaches include dedicated luggage racks, replacing some seating space to accommodate travellers carrying baggage.
Additional features include LCD-based dynamic route maps, advanced safety systems and modern passenger information displays.
Built for driverless operations
The trains are being supplied under a ₹3,177-crore contract awarded to BEML for 318 metro cars for the Blue and Pink Lines.
Manufactured at BEML’s Bengaluru facility, each train can carry up to 2,008 passengers and operate at speeds of up to 80 kmph.
The trains are equipped with Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology that supports fully driverless Grade of Automation-4 (GoA-4) operations. However, drivers will initially remain onboard until the system is fully stabilised.
BEML remains Bengaluru Metro’s largest rolling stock supplier, having previously delivered trains for the operational Purple and Green Lines