Bengaluru‘s long-awaited suburban rail network is expected to achieve a major milestone in November 2027 with the arrival of its first train, bringing the city a step closer to launching a new mass transit system for commuters.
The prototype train will be delivered ahead of the planned commissioning of Corridor 2 under the Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project (BSTP), according to officials overseeing the project.
Metro-style trains for suburban travel
The 148-km suburban rail network will eventually operate with 306 coaches, all of which will be manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.
Officials said the trains will run in three-coach, six-coach and nine-coach formations. Similar to metro services, the coaches will feature longitudinal seating arrangements along the sides to maximise standing space and passenger movement.
The trains are also expected to include amenities such as luggage racks and dedicated bicycle stands. Powered by 25kV overhead electric traction, the rolling stock will operate on technology similar to that used by Indian Railways.
First line targeted for 2028
According to Bi-RIDE Managing Director Lakshman Singh, the prototype train is scheduled to arrive by November 2027.
Following its arrival, three trains comprising three coaches each will be delivered every month. Initially, three-coach trains are expected to operate at five-minute intervals during peak hours.
Officials estimate that each three-coach train will be capable of carrying around 1,000 passengers at crush-load capacity.
The first suburban rail corridor is expected to become operational in December 2028.
₹4,270 crore coach procurement plan
The procurement of 306 coaches is estimated to cost ₹4,270.30 crore, with the Karnataka government and Indian Railways sharing the expenditure equally.
Bi-RIDE has already issued a work order to ICF for the supply of the first 153 coaches required for Corridors 2 and 4. Orders for the remaining coaches for Corridors 1 and 3 will be placed later.
Meanwhile, work on the suburban rail corridors continues across the city. Corridor 2, connecting Baiyappanahalli and Chikkabanavara, is targeted for commissioning in December 2028, followed by Corridor 4 in June 2029.
Corridors 1 and 3, connecting key locations including Devanahalli Airport, KSR Bengaluru, Kengeri and Whitefield, are expected to become operational by March 2030.
Depot construction underway
To support operations, Bi-RIDE has also initiated plans for a dedicated maintenance depot at Soladevanahalli, estimated to cost ₹200 crore.
The facility will house stabling, inspection and repair lines and will serve as a key operational hub for Corridors 2 and 4.
With train procurement, corridor construction and depot development progressing simultaneously, officials say the suburban rail project is steadily moving towards transforming public transport in Bengaluru.