BMRCL To Install Platform Screen Doors: Namma Metro Ticket Price Set To Increase?

In response to the increasing number of suicides at metro stations in Bengaluru, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has decided to introduce Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) across its network. A private company has been awarded a contract worth Rs 152 crore to install PSDs on new routes, including the Pink Line from Gottigere to Nagawara and the Blue Line connecting Silk Board to the Kempegowda International Airport. This move has intensified public pressure to install PSDs at older metro stations as well.

Estimated Costs and Fare Hike

The estimated cost to install PSDs at all metro stations is projected to be between Rs 700 and 800 crore. BMRCL is reportedly considering a metro ticket price increase to cover these expenses. BMRCL's Chief Public Relations Officer, Yashwant Chauhan, hinted at this possibility, stating that the installation of PSDs at each station could cost between Rs 8 to 10 crore.

Chauhan further noted that installing PSDs on the existing Green and Purple Lines, which are currently operational, would require a significant investment of approximately Rs 700 to 800 crore. Given this financial burden, BMRCL is contemplating a fare hike to fund the PSD installation.

Passenger Backlash

The suggestion of a potential fare increase has sparked outrage among metro passengers. Many feel that BMRCL should seek grants from the central and state governments to cover the cost of PSD installation rather than passing the financial burden onto commuters. Prasad, a frequent metro passenger, expressed his frustration, arguing that it is unfair to raise ticket prices to fund the safety measure.