After several years of delay, Bengaluru metro’s DTG Purple Line prototype train, manufactured by China’s CRRC, is expected to arrive at Chennai port by the year-end and reach Bengaluru’s Peenya depot by January 10, according to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Once the six-coach distance-to-go (DTG) train arrives in Chennai, it will be transported to Bengaluru via trailers. “The prototype train is expected to reach Bengaluru’s Peenya depot by January 10. The first train will be deployed on the Purple Line. As it is a new rolling stock, thorough tests will be conducted,” an official said.
The prototype train, which has been shipped from Shanghai port, has departed for India. Once the train is assembled in Bengaluru, static and electrical circuit tests will be conducted, followed by dynamic tests on the mainline, according to officials.
“After these tests, approvals will be sought from agencies like the Research Designs and Standards Organisation and the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety,” officials added.
One Yellow Line train to arrive in January
Meanwhile, the first CBTC train for the much-awaited Yellow Line from Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in Kolkata is expected to arrive at Hebbagodi depot by January 15, according to officials.
A single prototype train set, manufactured in China, was shipped to Bengaluru and arrived at Hebbagodi depot on February 14. Upon arrival, the train underwent extensive static testing within the depot, including tests on the depot’s tracks.
While operations for the Yellow Line were initially scheduled to begin by December 2024, delays in the delivery of the remaining train sets have pushed back the opening. The Yellow Line, connecting R.V. Road to Bommasandra, is now expected to be commissioned in January 2025, as confirmed by BMRCL last month.
Despite its potential, the Yellow Line encountered several setbacks. In 2019, the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) was awarded a ₹1,578-crore contract to supply 216 metro coaches to BMRCL.
However, CRRC faced difficulties in fulfilling its obligations owing to its failure to establish a manufacturing plant in India, as required by the contract. This led BMRCL to issue multiple notices to CRRC and consider encashing a ₹372-crore bank guarantee.
Recently, CRRC has partnered with Kolkata-based Titagarh Wagons to deliver the remaining coaches for the metro. While this partnership has addressed some concerns, the project’s timeline continues to experience significant delays.
Published – December 21, 2024 07:30 am IST
