European tech is coming to Bengaluru's suburban tracks: Rs 1,017 crore ETCS upgrade planned across two corridors

The Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project (BSTP) is set to adopt the European Train Control System (ETCS) for two of its corridors, with the signalling infrastructure alone expected to cost more than Rs 1,000 crore. According to a TOI report, the project’s implementing agency, Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Ltd (K-Ride), has floated a tender for the system, which is being introduced for the first time in Bengaluru.

The estimated cost of the signalling system for corridors 2 and 4 is Rs 1,017 crore, excluding GST and customs duty on materials, according to Bengaluru Integrated Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprise Ltd (Bi-RIDE), a K-Ride subsidiary. The move marks a shift from the earlier plan to deploy communications-based train control (CBTC), the technology used on parts of the Namma Metro network.

Read more - Vande Bharat Sleeper is not offering some features passengers are used to on regular trains: No Tatkal, no RAC, no waiting list and fixed fares; check all the rules before booking

Bengaluru suburban rail project opts for ETCS Level-2 over CBTC

The BSTP had initially proposed using CBTC, similar to the signalling system planned for Namma Metro’s Pink and Blue Lines. However, K-Ride confirmed in August that it would adopt a different technology.

The agency subsequently received approval to implement ETCS Level-2 across all corridors of the suburban rail project, replacing the earlier CBTC proposal. The system is also planned for India's first high-speed rail corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

ETCS is designed to improve railway safety through real-time information and monitoring of train movements. Its adoption is expected to support safer and more efficient operations on Bengaluru's suburban rail network.

ETCS installation timelines for Mallige and Kanaka lines

The tender covers the signalling system for two suburban rail corridors. Corridor 2, known as the Mallige Line, will connect Byappanahalli Terminal with Chikkabanavara, covering approximately 25 km.

The ETCS installation on this corridor is expected to be completed within 21 months of the selection of the successful bidder.

Corridor 4, or the Kanaka Line, will run between Heelalige and Rajanukunte and cover around 46 km. The signalling system on this stretch is expected to be ready within 30 months of the bidder's selection, officials said.

According to a senior K-Ride official, the suburban rail project is intended to reduce the need for land acquisition, lower costs, ease traffic congestion and improve mobility. It is also expected to address water stagnation issues while providing safer connectivity.

ICF to manufacture 51 Bengaluru suburban rail trains

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai will manufacture and supply 51 trains for the Bengaluru suburban rail project. Each train will consist of three coaches.

The first four trainsets are scheduled for delivery by the 2027-28 financial year, with further deliveries planned by 2028-29.

The trains will be manufactured entirely from stainless steel and will have a maximum operational speed of 80 kmph. Each three-coach train is expected to accommodate around 350 passengers.

With the signalling tender moving forward and train manufacturing assigned to ICF, the project is progressing towards setting up a suburban rail network aimed at improving connectivity across Bengaluru.


Inputs from TOI