BEML unveils prototype manufacturing for Driverless Metro Trainsets in Bangalore

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): BEML Ltd., a leading Indian manufacturer of rail and metro trainsets, has officially launched its prototype manufacturing facility for driverless metro trainsets. This significant development is part of the 5RS-DM Project aimed at advancing the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s (BMRCL) infrastructure for Lines 2 and 6, including the high-profile Bangalore Airport Line.

The inauguration ceremony took place with considerable fanfare, marking a key milestone for BEML’s role in enhancing urban transit solutions. The company clinched the contract for 53 state-of-the-art driverless trainsets in August 2023, outpacing global competitors. The project, valued at approximately INR 3,177 crores, includes comprehensive responsibilities for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of these trainsets. Additionally, BEML will provide maintenance services for up to 15 years as part of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase 2, 2A, and 2B.

BEML Leads in Driverless Technology

BEML has achieved a historic milestone as the first Indian rolling stock manufacturer to design, develop, and produce driverless metro trainsets. The unveiling of the new prototype facility was attended by prominent figures such as Maheshwar Rao, Managing Director of BMRCL, and Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML Ltd. Other senior executives from BEML were also present at the event.

Shantanu Roy expressed his excitement, stating, “We are honored to inaugurate this new prototype manufacturing facility in Bangalore. The city is rapidly becoming a hub for metro rail manufacturing in India. Our collaboration with BMRCL underscores our commitment to delivering the most advanced metro trainsets, significantly enhancing urban mobility for Bangalore’s commuters.”

Cutting-Edge Design and Construction

The upcoming trainsets will feature a sleek 6-car formation, crafted entirely by BEML’s engineering teams in Bangalore. Constructed from high-tensile Austenitic stainless steel, these trainsets promise durability, safety, and exceptional passenger comfort. Each metro car will be fitted with two roof-mounted Saloon Air Conditioners to ensure effective climate control and comfort for passengers.

This initiative not only highlights BEML’s technological prowess but also reflects a broader trend towards modernizing urban transit systems. The driverless technology integrated into these trainsets is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve overall reliability.

A Legacy of Innovation

BEML’s new venture builds on a rich legacy established by the Rail Coach Factory in Bangalore, which has been operational since 1948. As India’s first all-steel integrated rail coach factory, it has produced over 20,000 mainline passenger coaches and Electrical Multiple Units (EMUs) for Indian Railways. BEML’s latest achievements in driverless trainsets continue this tradition of innovation.

Looking ahead, BEML is also preparing to unveil the country’s first prototype of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, further demonstrating its leadership in advancing rail transport technology in India.

The inauguration of BEML’s prototype manufacturing facility for driverless metro trainsets represents a transformative step for Bangalore’s urban transport system. With cutting-edge technology and an ambitious project scope, these new trainsets are set to revolutionize the city’s metro services, offering enhanced efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort. BEML’s continued innovation positions it at the forefront of modernizing India’s rail infrastructure, setting new benchmarks for urban transit solutions.