BENGALURU: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is preparing to undertake major refurbishment of 57 Namma Metro trains operating on Bengaluru’s Purple and Green lines. The initiative marks the first major mid-life overhaul of the original fleet since commercial services began in 2011 and aims to improve reliability, reduce technical failures and extend the trains’ operational life.
The refurbishment comes as several trains and coaches have crossed the 10-lakh-kilometre mark. The corporation plans to inspect critical equipment, repair worn components and replace parts that have reached the end of their service life.
New trains to support refurbishment
BMRCL currently operates 57 six-coach trainsets on the Purple and Green lines. With the network carrying increasing numbers of commuters, withdrawing older trains for extensive maintenance requires additional trains to maintain service availability.
The corporation has ordered 21 new trainsets, of which four have been delivered. The remaining 17 are expected to arrive in phases. The additional rolling stock will allow BMRCL to withdraw existing trains for maintenance without placing excessive pressure on regular operations.
The corporation plans to carry out the refurbishment in phases. Reports have indicated that detailed maintenance may take around 15 days for an individual train, depending on the work required.
Comprehensive inspection of train systems
The overhaul will cover mechanical, electrical and passenger safety systems. Traction motors, drive systems, electrical equipment, wiring, cables, batteries, wheels, axles and braking mechanisms will undergo detailed checks.
Technicians will also inspect doors, air-conditioning and ventilation systems, signalling and control equipment, onboard electronics and other safety-related components. Passenger seats, interiors and other coach fittings will be examined as part of the programme.
Components that can be restored will be repaired, while damaged or worn-out parts that cannot be repaired will be replaced. The scope of work on each train will depend on the condition of its equipment.
The maintenance programme is intended to address wear and tear caused by years of continuous operation. BMRCL hopes the exercise will reduce technical glitches and improve the performance and reliability of the existing fleet.
Refurbishment could save ₹35 crore per train
The financial difference between buying a new train and refurbishing an existing one is significant. A new six-coach metro train costs around ₹50 crore, while the refurbishment of an existing train is estimated to cost approximately ₹15 crore.
This represents potential savings of around ₹35 crore for every train that can be refurbished instead of replaced. The final savings will depend on the condition of individual trains and the components requiring replacement.
The programme could also extend the useful operational life of the older trains, reducing the need for immediate fleet replacement as Bengaluru’s metro network continues to expand.
Maintenance planned to minimise disruption
BMRCL is planning the work in stages so that the entire fleet does not have to be withdrawn from service at once. Reports have indicated that maintenance activities are intended to be carried out after daily operations, including during night hours, to limit the impact on commuters.
The arrival of new trains will provide greater flexibility to take older trainsets out of service temporarily. BMRCL will need to balance the refurbishment schedule with passenger demand and the availability of trains on both corridors.
Namma Metro began commercial operations in 2011 with a short stretch of the Purple Line between M.G. Road and Baiyappanahalli. The network has since expanded considerably, and its original trains have accumulated substantial operating distances.
The planned overhaul is part of the corporation’s effort to maintain the ageing fleet while continuing to serve Bengaluru’s growing commuter population. The phased inspection and replacement of worn components are expected to support safer and more dependable metro operations.