Bengaluru’s first driverless metro hits the fast track as major hurdle crossed

Bengaluru’s much-anticipated leap toward fully automated public transportation is one step closer to reality. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) announced that its driverless metro train, set to operate on the Yellow Line, has cleared a crucial statutory inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS).

In an official statement, BMRCL confirmed that the inspection, conducted on February 24, 2025, was a mandatory prerequisite before seeking final approval from the Ministry of Railways. “The CMRS and team completed the statutory inspection of the driverless trains received from CRRC for the Yellow Line between RV Road and Bommasandra. This is a mandatory requirement before approaching the Railway Ministry for approval of new rolling stock,” BMRCL said on X (formerly Twitter).

Next stop: Railway Ministry approval

With the inspection now complete, the Railway Ministry must greenlight the rolling stock and conduct signal tests before the CMRS carries out a final inspection of the Yellow Line’s R-5 section. The six-coach driverless train, manufactured by China’s CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, arrived in Bengaluru on February 14, 2024.

The Yellow Line, which stretches nearly 19 km and features 16 stations, will connect Bommasandra in the city’s industrial corridor with the bustling Central Silk Board area. The line is expected to ease traffic congestion, especially for commuters travelling to major tech hubs in Electronics City.

Testing phase in full swing

Before passengers can experience this technological milestone, the trains will undergo a rigorous testing phase, which includes 37 distinct tests. These range from static trials and electrical circuit checks to mainline performance evaluations on operational tracks. System integration testing will ensure seamless coordination between signalling, telecom, and power supply systems.

This comprehensive safety validation process is expected to take up to four months, after which the Yellow Line could be operational by April 2025, starting with four trains.

The introduction of these driverless trains marks a significant step forward for Namma Metro, positioning Bengaluru as a frontrunner in adopting cutting-edge metro technology in India.