Bengaluru Metro Prepares For Future Growth: Five New Depots To Come Up As Fleet To Reach 159 Trains

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is gearing up for future metro operations with plans to add five new depots, supplementing the existing three, in a bid to cater to train maintenance and stabling needs until 2041.

Among these new depots, the Baiyappanahalli facility stands out as it undergoes a unique transformation.

BMRCL is completely remodelling the Baiyappanahalli depot, which will be the first of its network to feature two levels, serving two metro lines that run in opposite directions.

The remodelled depot, costing Rs 249.19 crore, will accommodate 16 trains for the Outer Ring Road (Phase-2A) line and 21 trains for the Airport Line (Phase-2B). Both lines operate in opposite directions, and this depot will be strategically placed between them.

The new design includes one underground level with 21 stabling lines, while the ground level will feature 20 stabling lines.

“The location of the existing Baiyappanahalli depot will be retained,” a top BMRCL official told The New Indian Express.

To accommodate the planned expansion of its fleet to 159 trains by 2026-28, BMRCL is prioritising the completion of these depots. “It is crucial the depots are ready to receive and maintain the trains,” the official added.

In addition to Baiyappanahalli, five new depots are in various stages of construction. The Shettygere depot, located near the airport and costing Rs 182.33 crore, is 49 per cent complete. It will have 10 stabling lines at grade level, with plans to add 12 elevated lines in the future. This depot will support the operations of Phase-2B and can accommodate 21 trains.

The largest and most expensive depot, Challaghatta, will cost Rs 499.41 crore and feature 38 stabling lines. Meanwhile, the Hebbagodi depot is 99 per cent complete and will support the RV Road-Bommasandra Line, which is slated to open in December.

The Kothanur depot, catering to the Pink Line (Nagawara to Kalena Agrahara), is 66 per cent complete and will include 20 stabling lines. Work at the Anjanapura depot, serving the North-South Green Line, has reached 50 per cent completion.

Currently, the Kadugodi (Whitefield) depot manages Purple Line operations, while the Peenya depot serves the Green Line. As Baiyappanahalli undergoes remodelling, most operations have temporarily shifted to Kadugodi. However, the Operations Control Centre will continue to function from Baiyappanahalli.

The city metro stands as India’s second longest operational metro network, spanning 73.81 kilometres, following the Delhi Metro.

Two operational corridors serve the city. The East-West Corridor stretches 43.49 kilometres, running from Whitefield Station in the east to Challagatta Terminal in the west.

The North-South Corridor covers 30.32 kilometres, with Nagasandra Station marking its northernmost point and Silk Institute Station situated at its southern end.