Mainline testing of driverless train for Bengaluru metro’s Yellow Line likely in March

The prototype train consisting of six cars is manufactured by China-based CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd.

According to BMRCL officials, the prototype train is expected to be up for mainline testing by March after undergoing a series of tests at the depot level. Express photo

The Chinese-made prototype of Bengaluru’s first driverless metro train has arrived at the Chennai port and will soon be on its way to the Hebbagodi metro rail depot by mid-February following customs clearance.

While the prototype train consisting of six cars is manufactured by China-based CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, the rest of the coaches will be manufactured with its domestic partner, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, as part of the Make-in-India initiative. The Chinese firm won a Rs 1,578-crore contract in 2019 to supply 216 coaches to Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

According to BMRCL officials, the prototype train is expected to be up for mainline testing by March after undergoing a series of tests at the depot level.

“The prototype will undergo basic tests at the depot including signalling and tracking, among other things, under the supervision of Chinese engineers. By the end of February or early March, we will take the train for mainline testing. The test results will be submitted to the chief commissioner of railway safety for review. The entire process will take at least four to five months before making the Yellow Line operational,” said a BMRCL spokesperson.

The 18.82 km of metro line connecting RV Road to Bommasandra (Reach 5) is being constructed under Phase II of the metro rail project at a cost of Rs 5,744 crore. This metro stretch aims to enhance connectivity to the IT hub in Electronic City and reduce traffic congestion on Hosur Road.

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