Bengaluru Metro: Prototype Train Rolls Out From China For Upcoming Yellow Line, Launch Set For February

The China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) factory in China has unveiled a prototype coach for the Bengaluru Metro, for deployment on the upcoming Yellow Line.

The line is expected to commence operations in February 2024, as per Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials.

The recently rolled-out prototype is anticipated to arrive in the city next month.

In 2019, CRRC secured a Rs 1,578-crore contract to supply 216 metro coaches to BMRCL. However, due to a lack of compliance with the stipulated condition of establishing a manufacturing plant in India, the Chinese company faced challenges in fulfilling the contract.

BMRCL officials stated that the firm will deliver prototype sets of six-coach trains, with the first one already rolled out, and subsequent coaches will be supplied in phases, reports The Hindu.

Officials from BMRCL visited China to inspect and facilitate the transit of these coaches.

Previously, BMRCL had issued notices to CRRC, contemplating the encashment of its Rs 372 crore bank guarantee.

However, the Chinese company has now formed a partnership with Titagarh Wagons, a company based in Kolkata, to supply the remaining coaches starting in September.

Yellow Line

The Yellow Line is part of Phase 2 of the Bengaluru Metro project and will connect R V Road in the south of the city to Bommasandra, a fast-growing suburb on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The 19-kilometre-long new metro line passes via Jayadeva, Central Silk Board and Electronics City.  

The Yellow Line will include stops at R V Road, Ragigudda, Jayadeva Hospital, BTM Layout, Central Silk Board, Bommanahalli, Singasandra, Electronic City, Bommasandra, Hongasandra, Kudlu Gate, Hosa Road, Beratena Agrahara, Konappana Agrahara, Huskuru Road, and Hebbagodi.

Beginning at the RV Road station on the Green Line, this new Yellow Line will link with the upcoming Pink Line (Gottigere-Nagawara) at Jayadeva Hospital and the Blue Line at Central Silk Board Station before ending at Bommasandra.

Originally, the whole Yellow Line was scheduled to be finished in 2021, and the deadline was later pushed back to December 2022.

According to the 2011 DPR (detailed project report), residents of Jayanagar, BTM Layout and HSR Layout as well as those who work in Electronics City and Bommasandra Industrial Area would benefit from the line.