Bengaluru Metro has received a much-needed prototype train for its Purple Line, manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC). The train, which arrived at Chennai Port from Shanghai at the end of December, was transported by trailer to Peenya Depot in Bengaluru offering relief to commuters facing overcrowded trains on the 43 km stretch.

This prototype is part of a larger effort to augment Bengaluru Metro's fleet, with CRRC collaborating with Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL) to manufacture the trains locally under the Make in India initiative.

The new train will undergo a six-month trial, including electrical, dynamic, and static tests, before its deployment on the Purple Line. Approvals from the Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) are required for commercial deployment.

As part of a 2019 contract, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co will supply 216 coaches, with 126 coaches dedicated to the Purple and Green Lines. These will be joined by additional trains manufactured by TRSL in Kolkata, with full deployment expected by Q1 2027.

The DTG trains will feature modern amenities, including real-time location updates and LCD displays across doors and gangway panels. Currently, 57 trains serve the expanded 76.9 km network, with a daily ridership of 7.8 lakh passengers.