Overview On December 11, 2025 , BEML Ltd. rolled out the prototype of its new driverless metro trainset, developed for Bengaluru’s Namma Metro’s upcoming Phase-2, 2A and 2B corridors. This marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Bengaluru's metro network and highlights the growing capabilities of indigenous manufacturing in the urban infrastructure sector. Key Developments Prototype Unveiling: The first six-coach driverless trainset meant for the Pink Line was unveiled at BEML’s Bengaluru Rail Complex. Projected Opening: The corridor is expected to open in two stages by the end of 2026 , connecting Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara . Formal Flag-off: The prototype was formally flagged off by J. Ravishankar , Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) , along with BEML Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director Shantanu Roy . Contract Details: BEML will supply 318 standard-gauge coaches for the Pink Line and the Blue Line (airport corridor). In-House Design: The trainsets are designed and engineered entirely in-house at BEML’s Bengaluru facility. Maintenance Support: BEML Ltd. will provide up to 15 years of comprehensive maintenance support. Financial Aspects Contract Value: The rollout marks an important step in the execution of the ₹3,177-crore contract, which BEML secured through competitive bidding. Additional Order: BEML recently received an additional order worth ₹414 crore for six more driverless trainsets for Phase-2’s Yellow Line. Total Coach Supply: Combined with a previous order for 42 additional cars, the total supply figure has now increased from 318 to 396 metro coaches for Phase-2. Features of the New Trainset Contemporary Interiors: The new trainset features contemporary interiors and energy-efficient systems. Passenger Amenities: Upgraded passenger information displays, wider gangways, USB charging points, and ergonomic seating. Safety Compliance: Designed to comply with advanced fire-safety and crashworthiness norms. Technology: Compatible with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, enabling fully driverless operations ( GoA4 ). Project Delays and Timeline Original Timeline: As per the contract, BEML was expected to supply the trains by June 2025 , but the schedule has been delayed. Revised Expectations: BMRCL now expects 16 trains to be delivered before the full Pink Line is completed in December 2026 . Testing Phase: The first six-coach prototype train will be transported to the Kothanur depot after December 15 and will undergo a series of tests for a minimum of five months. Previous Delays: Originally slated to be operational in 2020 , the deadline was later pushed to December 2025 . Pink Line Details Route: The corridor will run 21.3 km from Kalena Agrahara in the south to Nagawara in the north. Structure: Of the total stretch, 13.8 km will be underground and 7.5 km will be elevated. Connectivity: The Pink Line will provide seamless access to several important transit points, including M.G. Road , Shivajinagar , and Bengaluru Cantonment . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS3 (Infrastructure) and GS3 (Science and Technology) . It highlights the modernization of urban transport and the role of indigenous manufacturing in infrastructure projects. The use of driverless technology ( GoA4 ) and CBTC is also significant from a technological advancement perspective.