K-RIDE signs ₹1,513 crore agreement with ICF Chennai for supply of air-conditioned metro-type coaches
Bengaluru: The ambitious Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project has received a major push after Karnataka Rail Infrastructure Development Enterprise (K-RIDE) signed a massive ₹1,513.75 crore agreement with Integral Coach Factory for the procurement of 153 air-conditioned metro-type coaches.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for Bengaluru’s long-awaited suburban rail network, which is expected to transform daily commuting and reduce traffic congestion across the city. Officials said the contract was formally awarded to Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) on May 6.
Under the agreement, ICF will manufacture and supply 153 broad-gauge metro-style coaches for Corridor-2 and Corridor-4 of the suburban rail project.
Major Push for Bengaluru’s Dream Rail Network
The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project is considered one of Karnataka’s most important urban mobility initiatives aimed at improving public transportation infrastructure in the rapidly growing IT capital.
According to officials, the newly ordered coaches will play a key role in operationalising the Chikkabanavara to Yeshwanthpur stretch under Corridor-2 within the targeted timeline.
K-RIDE has reportedly directed ICF to begin delivery of the coaches within the next 18 months to ensure timely execution of the suburban rail corridors.
“The agreement is expected to accelerate suburban rail operations and strengthen Bengaluru’s future transport infrastructure,” officials familiar with the project stated.
An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between K-RIDE and ICF is also expected to be signed shortly.
What the ₹1,513 Crore Contract Includes
Officials stated that the contract goes beyond the manufacturing of train coaches and includes several technical and operational responsibilities necessary for seamless project execution.
The responsibilities assigned under the agreement include:
- Design and complete production of metro-type train coaches
- Assembly, testing and quality inspections
- Commissioning and statutory approvals from RDSO
- Coordination with signalling systems and power supply networks
- Integration with platform screen door systems
- Compliance with mandatory maintenance, reliability and safety standards
The coaches are expected to be fully air-conditioned and designed to support high-frequency suburban operations in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Rail Infrastructure Work Gains Speed
The suburban rail project is expected to significantly reduce travel time for thousands of daily commuters across Bengaluru and neighbouring regions. Authorities believe the addition of modern metro-type coaches will improve passenger comfort while enhancing connectivity between major urban corridors.
The latest agreement is being seen as a major step toward fast-tracking the execution of the suburban rail network, which has witnessed repeated delays in recent years.
Transport experts believe the project could become a long-term solution to Bengaluru’s worsening traffic congestion once fully operational.
