Titagarh Rail Systems Limited gears up to deliver modern metro coaches for the much-anticipated Yellow Line, enhancing connectivity to major corporate and residential areas in South Bengaluru.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is set to receive the first batch of new metro coaches for its upcoming Yellow Line from Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), based in Kolkata. These coaches are part of the Yellow Line project, a 19-km stretch connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra, aimed at improving access to key business areas including Infosys and Biocon, and residential sectors in South Bengaluru.
The first set of these state-of-the-art coaches is expected to arrive in Bengaluru by August 2024. Following this, the second set will reach the city in September of the same year. “The first set of coaches from TRSL is expected to reach Bengaluru in August, and the second in September this year,” confirmed a BMRCL official.
Earlier in February, BMRCL had received an initial set of six coaches from the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), China. These coaches, which are currently undergoing extensive testing at the Hebbagodi metro depot, marked the beginning of the fleet expected for the Yellow Line. This line is not only fully elevated but also includes an innovative metro-cum-road flyover, spanning 3.13 km from Ragi Gudda to Central Silk Board, designed to alleviate traffic congestion at one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The manufacturing contract for these coaches faced delays when CRRC could not set up a production facility in India, leading to BMRCL issuing notices regarding a potential ₹372 crore bank guarantee encashment. To resolve these issues, CRRC has now partnered with Titagarh Wagons in Kolkata for the manufacturing of the remaining coaches.
“In addition to the Prototype Train for CBTC, CRRC, China is supplying one more prototype train with DTG Signalling. The balance of 34 train sets (14 CBTC & 20 DTG) are being manufactured in India at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in West Bengal,” added the BMRCL official.
The Yellow Line, with its 16 stations, aims to be operational by December 2024. This development is crucial for Bengaluru as it seeks to bolster its public transportation infrastructure and provide efficient commuting options to its residents.
