Bengaluru : Bengaluru welcomed the arrival of India’s pioneering prototype driverless metro train, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transportation landscape. Delivered from China via the Chennai port, the train, comprising six coaches, has been safely transported to Electronics City for assembly.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirmed the safe arrival of the driverless train from Chennai, noting its transportation via a heavy vehicle to the Hebbagodi Depot early in the morning. This delivery marks a crucial step in Bengaluru’s efforts to enhance its metro network.
The procurement of this prototype train stems from a 2019 contract awarded to CRCC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd to supply 216 coaches to the BMRCL. Assembling activities will be closely monitored by a team of Chinese engineers stationed at Electronics City.
The prototype train is slated to undergo trial runs on the Yellow line, which will link RV Road with Bommasandra via Silk Board, a critical stretch aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the city. Following these trial runs, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS).
BMRCL anticipates the arrival of two additional trains by May, with subsequent deliveries of two trains per month commencing in June. These driverless trains boast an impressive frequency of 90 seconds between services, with each coach spanning 21 meters in length.
The Yellow Line, spanning approximately 19 km between Bommasandra and RV Road, will feature 16 stations, providing crucial connectivity to the heavily congested Central Silk Board area. Although initial plans aimed for its launch this month, delays in pending works will push back the inauguration. Nonetheless, the Yellow Line promises to significantly enhance transportation efficiency within Bengaluru upon its completion.
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