Bengaluru: Daily commuters on Bengaluru’s Namma Metro can expect some relief from overcrowded trains, with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) set to introduce three six-coach trainsets on the Green Line by August 2026. The move is expected to improve passenger capacity and reduce congestion on one of the city’s busiest metro corridors.
The induction comes more than a year after the prototype train arrived in Bengaluru and marks a significant step in expanding the city’s metro rolling stock. Officials believe the additional trainsets will enhance operational efficiency while improving the commuting experience for thousands of passengers using the Green Line every day.
Three trainsets ready for induction
The three six-coach trainsets are part of a larger fleet being supplied under a contract awarded to China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) in partnership with Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd. (TRSL).
Among the three is the prototype train manufactured by CRRC, which reached Bengaluru in January 2025 after facing considerable delays. Although the prototype was originally planned for deployment on the Purple Line, BMRCL has now decided to induct it on the Green Line.
Officials said the remaining 20 trainsets under the contract are currently being manufactured at Titagarh Rail Systems’ production facility in Uttarpara, West Bengal.
Once all 23 trainsets are delivered, they will be deployed exclusively on the Green Line.
Testing nearing completion
According to senior BMRCL officials, three Distance-To-Go (DTG)-enabled trainsets have already been received, including the prototype.
The testing programme has taken longer than anticipated because trial runs could only be conducted after the completion of daily passenger services on the operational Green Line.
Officials explained that the limited overnight testing window extended the timeline for completing various technical evaluations.
Despite these challenges, the validation programme has progressed steadily.
Before the trains can enter commercial service, they must successfully complete extensive performance trials, secure 37 statutory safety clearances and obtain approval for the rolling stock.
BMRCL said several important milestones have already been achieved.
Oscillation trials have been completed successfully, signalling integration tests have concluded and the Railway Board has granted rolling stock approval.
The corporation will now approach the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for the mandatory safety inspection and final regulatory clearance.
Subject to approval from the CMRS, officials expect the new trainsets to begin passenger operations by August 2026.
Relief for Green and Purple Line commuters
The induction of the new fleet is expected to benefit commuters on both the Green and Purple Lines.
Once the 23 new trainsets begin operating on the Green Line, the existing trainsets currently serving that corridor will be shifted to the Purple Line.
The Purple Line consistently records the highest passenger footfall across the Namma Metro network, and the redistribution is expected to improve train availability while reducing crowding during peak hours.
Metro officials believe this strategy will optimise fleet utilisation across the network and provide more frequent services on both major corridors.
Modern features in new coaches
The new six-coach trainsets are equipped with Distance-To-Go (DTG) technology, which enhances operational efficiency and improves train movement management.
Their design is similar to the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC)-compatible rolling stock already introduced for the Yellow Line connecting R.V. Road and Electronics City.
The advanced technology is expected to support smoother operations and prepare the metro network for future capacity enhancements.
Project faced years of delays
The induction of the new trains comes after a prolonged procurement process that experienced several setbacks.
In 2019, BMRCL awarded a ₹1,578-crore contract to CRRC for the supply of 216 metro coaches.
However, the project ran into difficulties after CRRC failed to establish a manufacturing facility in India, a mandatory requirement under the contract.
The delays prompted BMRCL to issue multiple notices to the company and even consider invoking a ₹372-crore bank guarantee.
To resolve the impasse, CRRC later partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd., enabling domestic manufacturing of the remaining coaches and allowing the stalled project to move forward.
The partnership has since accelerated production, paving the way for the long-awaited induction of the new trainsets.
Conclusion
The addition of three six-coach trainsets on Bengaluru’s Green Line is expected to provide much-needed relief to metro commuters by improving capacity and reducing overcrowding. With testing nearing completion and regulatory approvals pending, BMRCL aims to begin passenger operations by August 2026. The move will also facilitate the redistribution of existing trains to the Purple Line, improving services across two of the city’s busiest metro corridors.