Bengaluru’s Namma Metro is undertaking a significant operational realignment aimed at optimising network capacity and improving commuter experience. Under the revised plan, 21 new six-coach trains supplied by CRRC will be dedicated to the Green Line corridor between Madavara and Silk Institute, while the existing Phase-1 trains currently serving the Green Line will be redeployed to the Purple Line, which continues to record the highest ridership across the network.
The first CRRC prototype train arrived in Bengaluru in January 2025 and is undergoing rigorous safety and performance trials. Officials from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) confirmed that testing is being conducted during non-operational hours, primarily between Jalahalli and Mantri Square Sampige Road stations, and is expected to conclude by early January. Following these trials, approvals from the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety, the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, and the Railway Board are required before the train enters commercial service, anticipated by March 2026. Concentrating all new CRRC trains on the Green Line allows BMRCL to centralise maintenance operations at the Peenya depot. This strategic realignment ensures that specialised equipment, spares, and servicing infrastructure are optimally utilised, reducing operational complexities and maintenance costs. The shift also redistributes 17 Phase-1 trains to the Purple Line, balancing train availability across corridors and enhancing service reliability on Bengaluru’s busiest routes.
Currently, Bengaluru Metro operates 57 trains, which is below the optimal requirement to maintain a three- to four-minute frequency. Daily ridership has reached approximately 10 lakh passengers, with numbers climbing steadily, particularly after improved connectivity to Whitefield and Electronics City. The introduction of additional trains is expected to alleviate crowding, improve frequency, and strengthen overall network efficiency. All remaining 20 CRRC trains will be assembled in India at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited’s Uttarpara manufacturing unit in West Bengal, aligning with the national objective of localisation in metro rolling stock production. The CRRC contract, originally awarded in December 2019, also includes trains earmarked for the upcoming Yellow Line, which will further expand Bengaluru’s metro footprint.
Industry experts note that this realignment demonstrates a strategic approach to urban transit management, balancing fleet modernisation with maintenance efficiency. The focus on centralised operations and phased deployment reflects long-term planning necessary for sustainable metro growth in rapidly expanding cities.
Bengaluru Metro Prepares Green Line For New Six Coach CRRC Trains
