Third driverless metro train reaches Bengaluru: Pink Line launch moves closer

With the arrival of the third driverless train at Kothanur depot, BMRCL accelerates testing and operational readiness for the 21.25-km Pink Line connecting Kalena Agrahara and Nagawara.

Bengaluru Metro’s much-awaited Pink Line project has achieved another major milestone with the arrival of its third driverless train set. The latest train reached the Kothanur depot at midnight, marking a significant step towards the launch of commercial operations on the new corridor.

Earlier, two driverless trains had already arrived for the Pink Line, and testing of the first train set has begun. In the first phase, six fully automated, driverless trains will be deployed on this route. These trains are being supplied by BEML, from which a total of 23 driverless train sets have been ordered for the Pink Line.

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The Pink Line corridor will connect Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara, covering a total distance of 21.25 kilometres and consisting of 18 metro stations. Of these, 12 stations are underground, while 6 stations are elevated. This corridor is expected to significantly improve north-south connectivity in Bengaluru and ease traffic congestion across major residential and commercial zones.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has intensified preparations to open the elevated section from Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere by May this year. This stretch includes all six elevated stations, and authorities plan to commence commercial services as soon as all six train sets from BEML are delivered and tested.

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Meanwhile, construction is actively progressing on the remaining 13.76 kilometres of the underground stretch, which comprises 12 underground stations. Once the underground works are completed, BMRCL is aiming to open the entire Pink Line corridor by the end of this year, offering seamless travel from south to north Bengaluru.

The arrival of the third driverless train further strengthens operational readiness, as extensive testing, safety checks, and system integration processes are underway. The driverless system is expected to offer higher safety standards, better energy efficiency, and smoother operations.