Bengaluru: BMRCL depots undergo major upgrade to support Namma Metro expansion

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has initiated significant upgrades to its existing depots in preparation for the addition of 21 new metro trains to the Green and Purple Lines. This infrastructure enhancement aims to ensure smoother operations and reduce maintenance delays as the metro network continues to expand.

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Presently, BMRCL manages its operations through depots at Peenya, Kadugodi (Whitefield), and Baiyappanahalli, along with a newly developed facility at Hebbagodi for the Yellow Line. As part of the upgrade plan, Peenya depot is set to receive a new three-car bogie pit line, along with a modernised internal cleaning system tailored for the larger six-coach trains now in use.

To facilitate these upgrades, BMRCL has floated tenders worth ₹1.94 crore for Peenya’s enhancements. Meanwhile, the Baiyappanahalli depot is undergoing a major reconstruction to incorporate a two-level maintenance system, with an estimated investment of ₹249.15 crore.

These developments are driven by the operational challenges posed by the increased size and weight of the new metro trains. Each train now consists of six coaches and weighs approximately 140 tonnes, rendering the older three-coach pit lines inadequate for comprehensive inspections. The improved infrastructure will enable full-train maintenance in a single cycle, significantly improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

The upgrades are a key step in strengthening Bengaluru’s metro network as the city anticipates higher commuter volumes in the coming years.