Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Receives First China-Made Train for Purple Line, Testing Underway
Image courtesy: Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui @ever_pessimist
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro has taken a significant step towards easing congestion on its network with the arrival of its first China-made train for the Purple Line. The six-coach train, manufactured by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, reached the Peenya depot on January 12, after a nearly month-long journey from China via Chennai.
The new addition to the metro fleet is expected to improve passenger capacity once it clears a series of comprehensive tests. However, operational use will take time as the train will undergo mandatory statutory tests for six months before being cleared for service.
Testing Process and Challenges Ahead
The six coaches have been transported on truck trailers and unloaded at the Peenya depot, where they were moved to the test track for inspection. The coaches are being coupled into a complete train for static and electrical circuit testing. Following this, the train will proceed to mainline tests.
BL Yashavanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), emphasized the need for rigorous testing. “Any new rolling stock has to meet statutory testing requirements, including oscillation certifications from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO). These tests will take a minimum of six months,” he explained.
Chavan also pointed out a potential delay, noting that mainline testing will only be conducted at night, which may slow down the approval process due to time constraints.
#BengaluruMetro gets 1st China-made train for #PurpleLine.
— Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui (@ever_pessimist) January 13, 2025
The 6 coaches are being coupled at Peenya depot. The train will undergo tests for 6 months before being used for passenger ops.
Remaining 20 trains for Purple/Green lines to be made in India.@WF_Watcher @maddyvoldy pic.twitter.com/0X6S6CQPIJ
Expansion Plans and Future Deliveries
This train is part of a Rs 1,578-crore contract signed in 2019, under which CRRC is supplying 216 coaches (36 trains) to BMRCL. Of these, 15 trains will serve the Yellow Line, while 21 are allocated for the Purple and Green Lines. Apart from the two prototype trains manufactured in China, the remaining coaches will be built domestically by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in West Bengal.
The prototype train for the Yellow Line had already arrived at the Hebbagodi depot in February 2024 and is undergoing trial runs. Additionally, TRSL dispatched its first India-made train for the Yellow Line on January 6, expected to reach Bengaluru by January 20.
Advanced Tech and Projected Timelines
While the Yellow Line trains will feature Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) for driverless operations, the Purple and Green Line trains will operate using Distance To Go (DTG) technology, requiring loco pilots.
TRSL has promised to deliver two Yellow Line trains by April and two trains per month starting September. However, deliveries for the Purple and Green Lines are projected to commence only in 2025.
Chavan expressed optimism about the progress but noted uncertainty regarding the supply of car body shells for assembling the Purple and Green Line trains in India.
The arrival of this new train marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Bengaluru’s metro network, promising increased capacity and modern features for a more efficient public transport system.
