BEML unveils prototype of Bengaluru’s 1st driverless metro trainsets
BEML on Thursday rolled out the prototype of its fully driverless metro trainsets (GoA4) designed for Namma Metro’s Phase 2, 2A and 2B corridors. The sleek new train, built at BEML’s Bengaluru complex, marks a major milestone for the Pink Line and the Airport-bound Blue Line.
Bengaluru-built metro: 318 cars to be supplied for Pink & Blue lines
Under the Rs 3,177-crore contract, BEML will deliver 318 standard-gauge metro cars, all designed, engineered and manufactured in Bengaluru. These will serve the ORR–Airport Line and the Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara.
Pink line prototype unveiled in presence of BMRCL & BEML chiefs
The prototype was formally unveiled by BMRCL MD J Ravishankar, alongside BEML CMD Shantanu Roy. Officials also witnessed a live test run inside the BEML Rail Complex, ahead of full-scale testing over the coming months.
Driverless features: Wider gangways, USB charging, CBTC compatibility
The new trainsets come with next-gen upgrades — energy-efficient systems, wide gangways, improved accessibility, USB charging ports, ergonomic seating, advanced fire-safety compliance and CBTC-ready systems for fully driverless operations.
Extensive testing ahead: Prototype to undergo trials at Kothanur depot
The prototype will now enter a rigorous trial programme as per BMRCL’s schedule. Testing at Kothanur depot and on mainline tracks will capture thousands of data points before certification. Maintenance support will continue for up to 15 years.
Pink line elevated stretch opening pushed to May 2026
The 7.5-km elevated section of the Pink Line — from Kalena Agrahara to Taverekere (Swagath Road Cross) — has a new deadline: May 2026. BMRCL plans to deploy 3–4 trains initially, with more added based on ridership demand.
Pink Lines stations: IIM-B, Jayadeva interchange & south Bengaluru link
The opening of this elevated stretch will finally give connectivity to major hubs such as Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIM-B, JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva and Taverekere. It will also allow full operations of the massive Jayadeva Interchange, currently only partially open.
Underground Pink Line (Dairy Circle–Nagawara) targeted for December 2026
The crucial 13-km underground section of the Pink Line is progressing in parallel. BMRCL hopes to open the entire underground corridor — along with the Silk Board–KR Puram stretch of the Blue Line — by December 2026.
Blue Line (Airport Line) trial runs likely by October 2026
Work at Baiyappanahalli depot is scheduled to be ready by April 2026, after which Blue Line’s trial runs could begin by October 2026. The Airport Line is part of the 58-km Namma Metro expansion under Phases 2A & 2B.
Years of delay, contract termination and new contractor on Pink line
The Pink Line’s elevated work originally began in 2017 but stalled after only 37% progress. BMRCL terminated the earlier contract in 2021 and handed remaining work to GR Infraprojects. Residents along Bannerghatta Road and ORR have waited years for relief — and May 2026 now stands as the next realistic opening.