Bengaluru: Know how BMRCL maintains and plans to upkeep its expanding metro train fleet

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is gearing up for a significant expansion in its train fleet, which is set to place added pressure on its existing infrastructure. Currently, BMRCL operates 58 trains on the Green and Purple Lines, with an additional 5 to 6 trains held in reserve to support operations. However, the arrival of 21 new trains — comprising 126 coaches — from Titagarh Rail Systems in Kolkata is expected to stretch depot capacity and maintenance operations.

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

Each train undergoes routine daily maintenance that includes an external auto-wash and interior cleaning, a task handled by teams of 6 to 8 workers. This process takes between 6 to 7 hours per train and incurs a maintenance cost ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000. As the fleet size grows, the cumulative time, manpower, and cost required for upkeep will rise proportionately.

With this expansion, BMRCL's existing depots are likely to experience mounting pressure, highlighting an urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. The current facilities, while adequate for present needs, may face bottlenecks in ensuring timely and efficient servicing of a larger number of trains.

In view of its fleet expansion, BMRCL has planned upgrades to its depot infrastructure. Plans are underway for the development of faster, more automated maintenance systems or additional depot capacity, service reliability and operational readiness to ensure metro maintanence is not affected and remains efficient as metro operations scale up. Enhancing backend systems will be crucial to sustaining Bengaluru’s growing metro network.