The inaugural CRRC train-set, part of the 19.143 km Bangalore Metro Yellow Line (Reach 5), successfully arrived at Chennai Port on Tuesday following a 13-day maritime journey from the Port of Shanghai in China.
This six-coach train marks the commencement of the manufacturing process for the Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project’s Yellow Line, which will establish a vital connection from RV Road to Electronic City and Bommasandra, spanning across 16 elevated stations.
The train’s first glimpse within CRRC’s Puzhen plant in Nanjing was leaked in September 2023 during its factory acceptance tests (FAT). A formal roll-out ceremony took place at the end of October, attended by officials from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL).
This particular six-coach train represents the first of two trains to be imported from China under the Bangalore Metro Phase 2 project’s 36-train (216-coach) contract 4RS-DM, awarded by BMRCL in December 2019. The remaining 34 trains are scheduled to be assembled locally by Titagarh Rail Systems in West Bengal.
The next steps involve the train clearing customs at Chennai Port, a process historically taking 2-5 days for similar metro coach and tunnel boring machine (TBM) projects. Subsequently, the coaches will be loaded onto trailers for transportation by road to Hebbagodi Depot, a journey spanning 4-7 days.
Considering these logistics, it is estimated that the train will arrive at Hebbagodi between February 15-20. Upon arrival, the train will be unloaded, assembled with assistance from CRRC engineers, and undergo static tests, followed by dynamic tests on the depot’s test track.
Given the innovative design of this new train, main-line testing will necessitate oscillation tests and certification by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO). This statutory testing process may extend over 1-3 months, with the results incorporated into BMRCL’s report for the final safety clearance from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS).
As of now, the anticipated opening of this line is not expected before Q4 (October – December) 2024, and it would not be surprising if the line becomes operational in 2025.