Disruption in Bengaluru Metro: Commuters enter tracks at Indiranagar station; here is what happened

Bengaluru Metro’s Purple Line services faced disruption on Friday morning after a passenger entered the tracks at Indiranagar Metro station to retrieve a token he had dropped, triggering the activation of emergency security systems.

The incident took place at approximately 9.22 am on platform 2 of Indiranagar station. The passenger, identified as 20-year-old Ravikanth, was traveling from Indiranagar towards MG Road when he entered the tracks to collect the token.

“He was riding the metro for the first time. He is from Bihar and was heading to MG Road for construction work,” a source told Moneycontrol.

Following the incident, security personnel at the station activated the Emergency Trip System (ETS) and Emergency Stop Plunger (ESP). The passenger was subsequently freed and handed over to Metro workers.

Bengaluru Metro issues statement on Purple Line suspension

In a press statement, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) said, “On Line-1 (Purple Line), the Emergency Trip System (ETS) and Emergency Stop Plunger (ESP) were activated at Indiranagar Metro station at approximately 9:22 a.m. after a passenger entered the tracks. The passenger was rescued safely.”

The incident also affected train operations on the Green Line, with several services regulated to avoid overcrowding at Kempegowda Majestic Interchange Station.

“Train services on the Purple Line were consequently delayed by approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, several trains on the Green Line were regulated to avoid overcrowding at Kempegowda Majestic Interchange. Normal train services on both lines were resumed from 9.40 am,” the statement added.

Bengaluru Metro security concerns and demand for mesh platform doors

The incident has again highlighted concerns about the safety of passengers at Namma Metro stations.

The third rail, which supplies electricity to subway trains, poses an additional safety hazard to anyone who steps onto the tracks.

Despite several incidents of passengers falling onto the tracks and long-standing demands for the installation of Screen Doors (PSDs), none of the existing Namma Metro stations are equipped with them.