India got its first prototype of a driverless metro train, arrived in Bengaluru, following its delivery at the Chennai port from China last week. The six-coach train, a creation of CRCC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd, is set to be assembled at Electronics City, with a team of Chinese engineers overseeing the process. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Transport Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is gearing up for trial runs on the Yellow line.
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The driverless metro train completed its journey from China to Chennai and then safely reached Bengaluru, specifically the Hebbagodi Depot, via a heavy vehicle, according to an announcement by the BMRCL. The six-car train, part of the contract awarded to CRCC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd in 2019, will now undergo assembly at Electronics City, a process closely monitored by a dedicated team of Chinese engineers. This marks a crucial step towards introducing advanced transportation technology in India.
The prototype train is slated to undergo trial runs on the Yellow line, which is designed to link RV Road with Bommasandra via Silk Board. Once the trial is completed, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), ensuring adherence to safety standards. This innovative initiative is poised to set the stage for the introduction of futuristic, driverless trains in Bengaluru.
BMRCL has ambitious plans for the Yellow Line, aiming to launch it this month, though a slight delay is anticipated due to pending work. The Yellow Line, spanning approximately 19 km with 16 stations between Bommasandra and RV Road, is expected to significantly alleviate traffic in the city, particularly in the Central Silk Board area. The frequency of these driverless trains is an impressive 90 seconds, making them a swift and efficient mode of transportation. Bengaluru can anticipate further progress with two more trains scheduled to arrive by May, followed by a consistent arrival of two trains per month starting in June.