Bengaluru Metro’s Pink line set to receive second driverless train

BMRCL will dispatch its second driverless train for the Pink Line, joining trials ahead of the 7.5‑km elevated stretch opening by May 2026

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is preparing to dispatch the second driverless train for the upcoming Pink Line, marking another milestone in the city’s push towards advanced urban transit. The six‑coach train, currently undergoing final finishing work at BEML’s New Thippasandra facility, is expected to be moved to the Kothanur depot on Bannerghatta Road this Friday.

Officials confirmed that once the train reaches the depot, it will undergo system integration, safety checks, and preparatory work before being inducted into trial operations. Manufactured by BEML, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, the trains are equipped with Communication‑Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, enabling fully automated driverless operations.

The Pink Line is set to become Bengaluru’s first fully driverless metro corridor. BMRCL plans to open the 7.5‑km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere by May 2026, subject to statutory approvals. At least five to six driverless trains are expected to be available when the elevated section is commissioned.

The first prototype train, rolled out in December 2025, is already undergoing extensive trial runs to test braking, signalling, communication systems, platform screen door coordination, and emergency protocols. Feedback from these trials will help fine‑tune subsequent trains, including the second unit.

Also Read: Bengaluru Metro explores 16-km double-cecker corridor from KR Pura to Hoskote

Authorities are working to secure approvals from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for rolling stock, signalling, and passenger safety systems. Officials stressed that safety remains the top priority, with trials and certifications being conducted thoroughly but within planned timelines.

Once fully operational, the Pink Line will connect Kalena Agrahara in the south to Nagawara in the north, easing congestion on existing corridors and road networks. Experts highlight that driverless technology will improve service frequency, reduce human error, and enhance energy efficiency, making it a transformative step for Bengaluru’s urban mobility.

Also Read: FIR filed against Ranveer Singh over alleged mockery of Daiva tradition at IFFI