Namma Metro Network To Get A Boost: Five New Depots And 159 Trains By 2026-28

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is preparing for future Namma metro operations by planning to add five new depots to its existing three, ensuring adequate facilities for train maintenance and stabling through 2041.

Among these upcoming depots, the Baiyappanahalli facility is particularly noteworthy as it undergoes a significant transformation.

BMRCL is entirely remodelling the Baiyappanahalli depot, making it the first in the network to feature two levels, serving two metro lines that run in opposite directions.

This remodelled depot, with a budget of ₹249.19 crore, will house 16 trains for the Outer Ring Road (Phase-2A) line and 21 trains for the Airport Line (Phase-2B). Both lines operate in opposite directions, and the depot will be strategically positioned between them.

The new design includes one underground level with 21 stabling lines, while the ground level will have 20 stabling lines.

"The location of the existing Baiyappanahalli depot will remain the same," a senior BMRCL official told The New Indian Express.

To support its planned fleet expansion to 159 trains by 2026-28, BMRCL is prioritising the completion of these depots. "It is crucial that the depots are ready to receive and maintain the trains," the official added.

Beyond Baiyappanahalli, five new depots are at various stages of construction. The Shettygere depot, near the airport and costing ₹182.33 crore, is 49% complete. It will initially have 10 stabling lines at grade level, with plans to add 12 elevated lines later. This depot will support Phase-2B operations and accommodate 21 trains.

The largest and most expensive depot, Challaghatta, will cost ₹499.41 crore and feature 38 stabling lines. Meanwhile, the Hebbagodi depot, which is 99% complete, will support the RV Road-Bommasandra Line, set to open in December.

The Kothanur depot, which will serve the Pink Line (Nagawara to Kalena Agrahara), is 66% complete and will include 20 stabling lines. The Anjanapura depot, serving the North-South Green Line, is 50% complete.

Currently, the Kadugodi (Whitefield) depot manages Purple Line operations, while the Peenya depot serves the Green Line. During the remodelling of Baiyappanahalli, most operations have temporarily shifted to Kadugodi, though the Operations Control Centre continues to function from Baiyappanahalli.

Bangalore's metro network is India's second-longest, spanning 73.81 kilometres, following Delhi Metro.

The city is served by two operational corridors: the East-West Corridor, which stretches 43.49 kilometres from Whitefield Station in the east to Challagatta Terminal in the west, and the North-South Corridor, covering 30.32 kilometres from Nagasandra Station in the north to Silk Institute Station in the south.