To Prevent People From Entering Tracks In Bengaluru Metro, BMRCL To Install Hand Railings At Platforms

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is planning to install steel hand railings along the platforms of its stations given the recent incidents of passengers entering the tracks, which led to disruption in train services during peak hours.

It comes two days after a month attempted suicide bid at Jalahalli Metro station. This incident disrupted metro services on the Green Line for close to 45 minutes.

It is also planning to security checks more stringent and planning to install platform gates for Phase-I. "We are planning to install steel hand railings along the platforms of busy stations to prevent people from entering the tracks. They will be placed at the edge of the platforms. At spots where the doors of trains open, there will be no railings. We will make a beginning at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Interchange Station on PF1 from where trains head towards Kadugodi (Whitefield)," the daily quoted AS Shankar, executive director, Operations and Maintenance, BMRCL, as saying.

The BMRCL is considering the implementation of platform gates in future at the stations in Phase-1. "We have to get approval for it from the union and state governments and then invite tenders. This will take time," he said.

BMRCL managing director Anjum Parwez said tenders have been issued for the installation of platform screen doors along the underground corridor (Reach-6) of Phase-2. This particular section of the Pink Line spans from Nagawara to Kalena Agrahara, covering a 13.89-km underground corridor.

Furthermore, Metro officials have revealed plans to enhance security measures, with a focus on stricter security checks. Measures such as improved frisking and scanning procedures are being considered.

On the other hand, a Kerala man tried to end his life by jumping in front of an approaching train at Jalahalli Metro Station. A metro official told The Times Of India: "When he jumped in front of the moving train, he was pushed for a few metres on the track and eventually fell between the track and the third rail system. He received serious injuries but was breathing when metro staff removed him from the track. He has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment."

He is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

In a similar incident, a woman jumped on the metro railway track at the Indiranagar station to pick up her fallen mobile phone on January 1. Luckily, she escaped unhurt due to the quick reflexes of a co-passenger and the security guard on duty.