Bengaluru Metro Expands Safety Measures with Steel Barricades
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has significantly bolstered safety protocols by installing steel barricades at three additional Metro stations across the city. This strategic move aims to streamline passenger queues and prevent accidental falls onto the tracks, addressing long-standing concerns about overcrowding and safety hazards.
New Installations and High-Footfall Stations
Following the initial installations at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Interchange at Majestic and R V Road stations, the latest barricades have been deployed at Indiranagar, K R Pura, and Benniganahalli Metro stations. Officials confirmed that M G Road station is currently excluded from this phase, but plans are underway to equip it soon, bringing the total to six stations with these safety features.
Daily passenger footfall highlights the critical need for such measures:
- Nadaprabhu Kempegowda station: Over 2.5 lakh commuters daily, the highest in the network.
- R V Road station: More than 55,000 daily passengers.
- Benniganahalli station: Approximately 48,609 passengers daily.
- Indiranagar station: Around 42,605 daily commuters.
- K R Pura and M G Road stations: Each handling about 35,000 passengers daily.
Official Statements and Safety Rationale
B L Yeshwanth Chavan, Chief PRO of BMRCL, emphasized that the barricades were installed primarily for safety and to maintain orderly queues. He stated, "Depending on requirement, barricades will be installed at other stations too." This initiative comes in response to multiple incidents where individuals attempted to jump onto the tracks, some resulting in fatalities, underscoring the urgency of enhanced safety measures.
Commuters' Perspectives and Demands for Advanced Solutions
While the steel barricades are a step forward, many commuters continue to advocate for more robust safety solutions. Rajneesh T, a regular Metro user, pointed out, "At several stations, there is hardly any space on the platform during peak hours. People struggle to board the train, and Metro staff also find it difficult to manage the crowd. The problem is worse at Majestic. Instead of steel barricades, BMRCL should opt for Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), which open only after the train arrives."
PSDs have been a long-standing demand from passengers, offering a higher level of protection by physically separating the platform from the tracks. However, BMRCL has maintained that PSDs were not part of the original plan for operational lines due to high installation costs and operational challenges. The corporation has indicated that PSDs will be considered in upcoming phases of Metro expansion.
Current Metro Network and Future Outlook
Bengaluru's Metro network currently spans 96 kilometers with 83 operational stations, serving as a vital artery for the city's urban mobility. The installation of steel barricades represents a proactive approach to improving safety amidst growing passenger numbers. As the city continues to expand its infrastructure, BMRCL's efforts to balance immediate safety needs with long-term technological upgrades will be crucial in ensuring a secure and efficient transit system for all commuters.
