Safety First: Bengaluru Namma Metro Set To Deploy Platform Screen Doors Across Blue & Pink Lines

In a major stride towards enhancing safety and operational efficiency, the Bengaluru Namma Metro is set to witness the installation of Platform Screen Doors (PSD) at 50 stations along the Blue Line and Pink Line. The contract, which includes the installation of communications-based train control (CBTC) signaling and other critical systems, has been awarded to Alstom Transport India.

These full-height doors will act as physical barriers between the platform and the tracks, preventing accidental falls and improving passenger safety, especially for children and the elderly. This development was first reported by themetrorailguy.com.

The installation of PSDs is a strategic move aimed at bolstering passenger safety and operational efficiency across the metro network. Full-height platform screen doors will be deployed at 13 underground stations, providing an additional layer of safety for commuters. Meanwhile, half-height platform screen gates will be installed at 37 elevated or at-grade stations, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience.

Key stations in the Phase 2 project, including the 21 km Pink Line (Nagawara - Kalena Agrahara) and 56 km Blue Line segments (Central Silk Board - KR Puram and KR Puram - KIAL Airport), are slated to benefit from this technological upgrade. The integration of PSDs at these stations aligns with the broader goal of modernizing metro infrastructure, fostering a safer and more efficient commuting environment.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had initiated the bidding process for this contract in March 2023, and Alstom's emergence as the lowest bidder positions them as a key contributor to the successful execution of this significant project. While the exact estimate of the BMRCL remains undisclosed, Alstom's bid, in comparison to others, underscores their competitive advantage and likelihood of securing the contract.

Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this contract forms part of a larger Rs 3,717 crore loan agreement signed by the Government of India in March 2021. The agreement encompasses the procurement of critical systems, including rolling stock, CBTC signaling, and platform screen doors. The implementation of PSDs reflects a forward-looking approach, aligning with international safety standards and enhancing the overall travel experience for metro commuters.

This transformative project incorporates a 2-year Defect Notification Period (DNP)/Defect Liability Period (DLP) and a 5-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) covering breakdown/corrective maintenance and repair of PCB/modules on a 24/7 basis. As the Pink Line progresses rapidly among the Phase 2 lines, this technological upgrade positions the Bangalore Metro for a more secure and efficient future. With Alstom's bid likely to be awarded, the commercial operations on the Pink Line are anticipated to commence no sooner than Q4 2025. The installation of PSDs at 50 stations underscores a strategic investment in the modernization and safety of Bangalore's metro infrastructure.