In Pics: BMRCL Unwraps China-Made Driverless Train Prototype For Namma Metro Yellow Line

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) recently shared exciting visuals of unwrapping the first set of driverless train prototype manufactured in China for 19.15-km Namma Metro Yellow Line (R.V. Road-Bommasandra) connecting Electronic City. The video showcases the meticulous unveiling of the coaches, a significant step towards enhancing the city's metro network.

The Yellow Line, an integral part of Bangalore's metro system, is set to receive a total of 6 coaches, all manufactured by the Chinna-based China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC).

The unwrapping ceremony was conducted with great enthusiasm and meticulousness, highlighting the attention to detail and care taken in the manufacturing process. These coaches are equipped with advanced features, ensuring passenger comfort, safety, and efficiency.

The six-coach prototype trainset is slated for trial runs on the 19.15-km Yellow Line, connecting RV Road with Bommasandra via Jayadeva Hospital, Silk Board Junction, and Electronics City.

Manufactured by China's CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, the train is part of a Rs 1,578-crore contract awarded in 2019 to supply 216 coaches to the BMRCL.

After departing China on January 24, the train arrived at the Chennai port on February 6. Following unloading and customs clearance, the train was transported by road to Bengaluru.

At the Hebbagodi depot, the coaches were coupled under the supervision of Chinese engineers.

Five Chinese nationals have been granted visas to oversee the assembly and testing of the prototype train in Bengaluru, with another 10 expected to receive visas by the end of February. These experts will supervise testing and other procedures.

While civil and track-laying works on the Yellow Line were completed long ago, statutory trial runs were delayed due to the unavailability of coaches.

CRRC won the contract primarily due to its competitive bid (Rs 7.31 crore per coach), significantly lower than the bid from Bengaluru-based PSU BEML (Rs 9.28 crore/coach). Additionally, CRRC's coaches are equipped with advanced electronics, providing a technological edge that India would take years to match, according to a senior BMRCL official.

However, CRRC faced challenges in finding a local partner to manufacture 208 coaches as part of the contract. Eventually, it partnered with Bengal-based Titagarh Wagons Limited. Further delays were caused by India's strained relations with China.

BMRCL expects to receive two more trains by May, with a subsequent delivery of two trains per month. The commencement of the Yellow Line, requiring eight trains, is anticipated in the third quarter of 2024.