First driverless Namma Metro train arrives at Byappanahalli depot

By Editorial·5 June 2026·1 min read

A photorealistic wide shot of the newly arrived, modern six-coach driverless metro train parked on the tracks at the Bya...

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has received its first driverless, six-coach trainset for the upcoming Blue Line corridor, transporting it from the Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) facility in C.V. Raman Nagar to the Byappanahalli Metro depot on Thursday. This delivery marks a major technological milestone for Namma Metro as it introduces driverless transit technology to the city's public transportation network.

The newly arrived train has been specifically designed for unattended train operations, making it one of the most advanced rolling stock additions to the Namma Metro system. Equipped with modern automation systems, the driverless train is intended to serve the Blue Line, which will connect key commercial and residential hubs of the city directly to the airport.

Because the dedicated Blue Line depot is still under construction, the train has been temporarily stationed at the Byappanahalli depot. It will undergo extensive depot-based testing and validation procedures over the coming months. Metro officials have indicated that this rigorous testing and certification process will continue for at least five months before passenger services can be safely initiated.

The vehicle is the first of many to arrive under a ₹3,177-crore contract awarded to BEML in 2023. Under this contract, the manufacturer is scheduled to supply a total of 318 metro coaches to support the Blue Line's operations.

The Blue Line itself is being developed in phases. The initial 19-kilometre elevated section runs along the busy Outer Ring Road, connecting Central Silk Board to K.R. Pura. BMRCL is currently targeting the completion of this stretch by the end of 2026, though construction on several stations and related infrastructure is still actively underway.

The subsequent phase of the project will extend the line beyond K.R. Pura to Kempegowda International Airport. BMRCL expects to complete this final airport-bound stretch by December 2027, significantly improving transit options for airport commuters.