Bengaluru suburban rail project moves ahead with Rs 1,513 crore coach deal

The Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project received a major push after Bi-RIDE on Monday officially issued a work order to the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, for the supply of 153 air-conditioned, broad-gauge, metro-type coaches for corridor-2 and corridor-4.

Officials said the total value of the work order is Rs 1,513.75 crore.

The suburban rail project, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Bengaluru, is expected to become a reliable and sustainable transport system for the city and surrounding areas in the future.

According to a statement issued by Bi-RIDE, the contract was awarded on May 6, 2026, and the Integral Coach Factory has been directed to begin supplying the coaches within 18 months.

Officials said the deadline was fixed to ensure the Chikkabanawara–Yeshwanthpur section of corridor-2 opens for public service on schedule.

Bi-RIDE (Bengaluru Integrated Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprise Limited) said the timeline is also in line with the direction issued by prime minister Narendra Modi during the PRAGATI review meeting held in December 2025.

An official MoU between the two organisations will be signed shortly.

The contract includes detailed design, manufacturing of rolling stock, quality inspection, integration, testing and commissioning of the coaches.

ICF has also been assigned the responsibility of securing statutory approvals from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). The coach manufacturer will also coordinate with contractors involved in signalling, traction, power supply and platform screen doors.

According to the statement, ICF will additionally ensure compliance with RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) standards required for the operation of the corridors.

“This work order is a historic milestone for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project. Through this partnership with ICF, we are ensuring that the required coaches will be available by the time track and systems infrastructure work for corridors 2 and 4 is completed,” said Lakshman Singh, Managing Director, Bi-RIDE.

He added that the synchronisation of infrastructure and coach delivery would help provide Bengaluru with a world-class suburban rail network without delay while supporting sustainable urban transport and reducing traffic congestion in the city.