Preliminary Investigation Points to Metal Chain
A preliminary investigation has revealed that a metal chain stuck in the train door guideway caused the Bengaluru Metro Purple Line snag at Cubbon Park. The obstruction prevented the doors from closing properly, leading to service disruptions on the line.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on the Purple Line of Namma Metro, which connects Baiyappanahalli to Kengeri. According to officials from the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the chain became lodged in the door mechanism of a train at Cubbon Park station. This prevented the automatic doors from shutting, forcing the train to halt and causing delays on the line.
BMRCL officials confirmed that the issue was detected during routine operations. The train was taken out of service for inspection, and the chain was removed. Services resumed after a brief delay, but the incident raised concerns about safety and maintenance protocols.
Impact on Commuters
The snag caused a ripple effect on the Purple Line, with trains running behind schedule for about 30 minutes. Commuters reported crowding at platforms as trains were held up. BMRCL issued an apology to passengers and assured them that a thorough investigation is underway to prevent such incidents in the future.
"We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. The chain appears to have fallen from a maintenance area or been accidentally dropped. We are reviewing our safety checks to ensure this does not happen again," said a BMRCL spokesperson.
Broader Safety Concerns
This incident has sparked discussions about the safety of Namma Metro's operations. While the chain was a minor object, its impact on the door mechanism highlights vulnerabilities in the system. BMRCL has announced a review of all trains on the Purple Line to check for any foreign objects that could interfere with operations.
Passengers have called for stricter monitoring of train maintenance and cleanliness. "It's concerning that a chain could cause such a disruption. We hope BMRCL takes this seriously and improves its checks," said a regular commuter at Cubbon Park station.
The Purple Line is one of Bengaluru's busiest metro corridors, carrying thousands of passengers daily. Any disruption affects a large number of commuters, making reliability a key issue for the city's public transport system.
