Driverless trains, airport link and more: Bengaluru metro's blue line explained

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) received a six-coach driverless train from Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) on Thursday. The arrival marks a significant milestone for the upcoming Blue Line corridor. The train will eventually operate on the airport-bound Metro route.

The Blue Line trains are being designed for driverless operations, bringing advanced automation to Bengaluru's Metro network. The trains are equipped with modern control and safety systems. They will undergo extensive testing before passenger services begin.

The 19-km Phase 2A section of the Blue Line will connect Central Silk Board and K.R. Puram. Running along the Outer Ring Road, the corridor is expected to serve one of Bengaluru's busiest IT and business districts. The project aims to ease traffic congestion on the stretch.

BMRCL is aiming to open the Silk Board-K.R. Puram section by the end of 2026. Construction is progressing across stations and viaducts along the route. However, work at several locations remains under way.

BEML is scheduled to supply 16 trainsets for the Blue Line's Phase 2A corridor. The trains are being manufactured in Bengaluru and delivered in phases. Thursday's rollout marks the beginning of that supply programme.

Beyond K.R. Puram, the Blue Line will extend to Kempegowda International Airport. The airport section is expected to be completed after the ORR stretch. Once operational, the corridor will provide direct Metro connectivity to the airport.

The Blue Line rollout comes after Namma Metro's experience with delays in procuring trains for the Yellow Line. While infrastructure was largely ready, train shortages delayed passenger operations. Authorities are now working to ensure smoother delivery schedules.

The arrival of the new train marks an important step in Bengaluru's Metro expansion plans. With rolling stock deliveries now under way, attention will shift to testing and completion of corridor infrastructure. The Blue Line is expected to transform connectivity across the city’s eastern and northern corridors