Namma Metro Installs Passenger Safety Railings At Majestic Station To Deter Platform Mishaps

In response to recent incidents of trespassing on electrified tracks at Namma Metro stations, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) initiated a pilot project by installing platform safety railings at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Interchange station or Majestic Station.

A.S. Shankar, Executive Director (Operations and Maintenance) at BMRCL, explained, "Due to the substantial daily footfall at the Majestic metro station, a decision was made to initiate the installation of platform safety railings as a pilot project. In the days ahead, we will assess its effectiveness and consider extending the initiative to other metro stations."

The railings are designed to enhance passenger safety by preventing trespassing onto the tracks, a situation that could disrupt metro operations. The plan includes steel hand railings along platforms at busy metro stations, strategically positioned where train doors open.

The BMRCL also has plans to install platform screen doors (PSDs) at upcoming metro stations, starting with Konappana Agrahara in Electronics City. Funded by Infosys Foundation, this station is part of the R.V. Road-Bommasandra Yellow Line, expected to begin operations in the middle of this year.

Recent tenders have been issued by BMRCL for installing PSDs on the Pink Line, Blue Line Phase 2A (Central Silk Board-K.R. Pura), and the elevated airport city station on the Blue Line Phase 2B (K.R. Pura-airport).

Under the agreement, 13 underground stations will receive full-height Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), while 37 elevated or at-grade stations in the specified metro projects will have half-height Platform Screen Gates (PSGs). This initiative aims to prevent incidents such as individuals falling onto the tracks, leaning over platform edges, or straying beyond designated areas.

Currently, PSDs are only installed in Delhi and Chennai metro stations. The BMRCL typically relies on guards to discourage individuals from approaching the platform edge and encourages them to stand in queues.

Commuters have welcomed the move, with Vijayalakshmi M. stating, "The interchange metro station is often chaotic. The installation of these railings will prevent people from falling onto the tracks and enhance safety. However, similar initiatives should be implemented in other metro stations with increased discipline among commuters."