CRRC’s Metro train prototype from China arrives for Bengaluru's Purple Line

Train unloaded at Peenya depot

The prototype train manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) for Bengaluru Metro's Purple Line has arrived, a big relief for commuters battling huge crowds due to a shortage of trains on the 43-km stretch as well as the Green Line.

Moneycontrol had reported that prototype train, urgently needed to augment Bengaluru Metro’s fleet, was shipped from Shanghai Port and reached Chennai Port year-end. It was transported via trailers to Bengaluru and  unloaded at Peenya depot on January 13.

Also, read: Prototype train for Bengaluru Metro's Purple Line shipped from China's CRRC

CRRC has partnered with Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL) to manufacture trainsets locally, adhering to the government’s Make in India initiative.

The train will undergo a six-month trial, including static, electrical circuit, and dynamic tests on the mainline. “The first train will be deployed on the Purple Lineafter these comprehensive tests,” a senior official said. Approvals from the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) will also be required before commercial deployment.

Also read: Titagarh rolls out first driverless train for Bengaluru Metro’s Yellow Line

In December 2019, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co won the contract to supply 216 coaches within 173 weeks. Of these, 126 coaches (21 six-coach trains) are meant for the Purple Line and the Green Line, while 90 coaches (15 six-coach trains) are designated for the Yellow Line (RV Road–Bommasandra).

The remaining 20 six-coach DTG trains will be manufactured at TRSL’s Uttarpara facility in Kolkata. “Following the delivery of all communication-based train control (CBTC) trains for the Yellow Line, the first DTG train from TRSL is expected by Q4 2025. The Purple and Green Lines will receive their full complement of 21 DTG trains by Q1 2027,” the official added.

The DTG train, similar in design to the Yellow Line CBTC trains, will have modern amenities, including real-time location updates and dynamic route maps displayed on LCD screens across doors and gangway panels. Presently, all Bengaluru Metro trains are manufactured by BEML.

Experts say Bengaluru Metro should ideally maintain one train per km of network to achieve a frequency of three to four minutes. However, despite the network expanding to 76.9 km, Bengaluru Metro operates only 57 trains, leading to an average daily ridership of 7.8 lakh passengers.

“Testing the DTG prototype is particularly challenging due to limited night-time slots, as the Purple and Green Lines are already operational,” another official said.