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Commuters on Bengaluru's Namma Metro may soon get relief from overcrowded trains as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has received approval from the Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) to introduce new Distance-to-Go (DTG) trains. The approval is an important milestone before the trains can enter passenger service and is expected to improve the frequency of the Purple and Green line services.
Bengaluru Metro's DTG Trains
BMRCL plans to add 21 new six-coach DTG trains to its existing fleet. At present, the Purple and Green lines together operate with 57 trains, which is insufficient to meet the growing number of daily passengers. Officials believe the additional trains will help reduce waiting time, increase train frequency, and make travel more comfortable, especially during peak hours.
Bengaluru Metro's DTG Trains to Undergo Tests
Before the trains begin commercial operations, they must complete integration tests between the rolling stock and the signalling system. Once these tests are completed, BMRCL will seek final approval from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS). According to officials, the first new train is expected to enter passenger service by the end of July 2026.
Titagarh Rail Systems, in partnership with CRRC, manufactured the remaining trains. BMRCL expects all 21 trains to be delivered by the second quarter of 2027, although the delivery could be completed earlier if production speeds up. The manufacturer is expected to increase production to two trains per month from July 2026.
As part of BMRCL's operational plan, all the new CRRC trains are likely to be deployed on the Green Line, while 17 existing BEML trains will be shifted to the Purple Line. This redistribution will improve train availability on both corridors and help reduce crowding.
Officials also said BMRCL is considering upgrading the existing DTG signalling system to the more advanced Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology in the future. The new trains and signalling improvements are expected to enhance the overall efficiency of Namma Metro and provide a smoother travel experience for lakhs of daily commuters.