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Bengaluru Metro's Pink Line, like the recently delayed Yellow Line, is facing a slow start. The 7.5-km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere is ready, but trial runs have not started due to a shortage of trains. Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a Bengaluru-based public sector company, was supposed
to deliver a prototype train by June 2025, but this has been delayed by at least six more months for testing. The main issue is the shortage of rolling stock or metro coaches.
When Did the Problem Begin?
The problem began in 2019 when the contract for the Yellow Line trains was given to the Chinese company CRRC. A "Make in India" rule required CRRC to set up a local factory, but tensions between India and China made that difficult. Later, CRRC joined hands with Titagarh Rail Systems in Kolkata to assemble trains domestically, but the delays caused major setbacks for Namma Metro.
Driverless Trains in the Making
Now, BEML itself is facing problems in making 53 driverless trainsets for the Blue and Pink Lines, worth ₹3,177 crore. Delays in importing key parts like gearboxes, motors, and current collection devices have slowed production. The lack of testing facilities in India for safety tests, such as bogie fatigue and car body strength, has made things worse, which has created a gap between completed metro structures and the availability of trains.
Other Metro Cities Facing the Same Issues
Similar issues are affecting metros in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Pune due to limited manufacturing capacity. However, this situation also offers an opportunity for Karnataka. The state, home to BEML, can attract private companies to make metro parts locally by giving incentives and developing industrial clusters around BEML's Kolar unit. With proper support and skill training, Karnataka could become India's leading hub for metro coach and component manufacturing, turning a delay into a growth opportunity.
