The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has taken a significant step towards expanding the city's Metro network by initiating crucial trials for its upcoming Pink Line. The prototype trainset was operated for the first time on the mainline this past Friday, marking the start of an extensive testing phase.
Pink Line Testing and Timeline
Preliminary trials were conducted on the elevated section between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere along Bannerghatta Road. A senior BMRCL official confirmed that the train was moved at a very slow speed during this initial run. The corporation had received this prototype from the manufacturer, BEML, back in December.
The testing and certification process is expected to span approximately six months. Following this, the project must secure statutory approvals from multiple agencies before commercial operations can commence. "All clearances must be secured before starting commercial operations," the official stated.
According to the official release, mainline testing is a vital pre-commissioning activity. It validates train performance and system integration under real-world conditions, which is mandatory for obtaining final approvals. The upcoming tests will include:
- Traction and braking performance trials.
- Oscillation tests at various speeds.
- Integration checks with signalling, power supply, and telecommunication systems.
Project Scope and Rolling Stock Delivery
Under the ambitious Phase 2 expansion, BMRCL is constructing the 21-kilometer Pink Line corridor from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara. A substantial 13-kilometer segment between Dairy Circle and Nagawara will run underground.
The current target is to open the elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere by mid-2026. The entire corridor is slated for completion by December 2026.
On the rolling stock front, BEML is expected to deliver the second trainset for the Pink Line by the end of January. The plan is to have a total of six trainsets supplied by March. The broader contract involves BEML supplying 318 standard-gauge Metro cars for both the Pink Line and the Blue Line (connecting Silk Board to Kempegowda International Airport). Notably, BEML had rolled out a driverless Metro trainset for the Pink Line back in December 2025.
Officials mentioned that civil works on the elevated section are at an advanced stage, and signalling works are currently in progress.
Yellow Line to Enhance Frequency
In related Metro news, Namma Metro plans to improve services on the existing Yellow Line. The seventh train is set to be inducted by Makara Sankranthi. This addition will reduce the headway (waiting time between trains) on the 19-km corridor from 13 minutes to 11 minutes.
An eighth train, which has already been dispatched by the manufacturer after completing necessary tests, is expected to join the fleet in February. Yellow Line operations commenced in August with just three trains and have been gradually scaled up as more trainsets arrive.
The commencement of prototype testing for the Pink Line is a clear signal of progress on Bengaluru's critical Metro infrastructure projects, promising better connectivity for millions of commuters in the coming years.
