Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is planning a major safety upgrade across the Namma Metro network, proposing the installation of Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) at 177 stations at an estimated cost of ₹1,274 crore.
The move comes amid growing concerns over track intrusions, accidental falls and suicide attempts on Metro premises. Officials believe the safety barriers could significantly reduce such incidents while also preventing service disruptions caused by people entering the tracks.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to install Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) at 177 Namma Metro stations network-wide, costing an estimated ₹1,274 crore, to enhance passenger safety and prevent track intrusions.
Namma Metro currently operates 83 stations. With the upcoming Phase 3A corridor connecting Hebbal and Sarjapur, the network is expected to expand to around 191 stations. BMRCL has already approved PSD installation at 26 stations on the Pink Line and two stations on the Airport Line.
The demand for Platform Screen Doors has been raised for years by commuters and safety experts. At present, only a few busy interchange stations, including Majestic and RV Road, have protective barricades near platform edges. Most stations continue to have open access to the tracks.
According to BMRCL’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), nearly 10 lakh passengers use Namma Metro every day. Over the past two years, the network has recorded several cases of unauthorised track entry, accidental falls and suicide attempts, prompting renewed calls for stronger safety measures.
Apart from the safety risks, such incidents often disrupt train operations. Since the Metro network runs on a 750-volt DC third rail, any intrusion onto the tracks triggers emergency systems and forces trains to halt. Officials said restoring services can take up to 20 minutes, affecting commuters across an entire corridor.
The proposal covers stations on the Purple, Green, Yellow and Blue lines, as well as the upcoming Phase 3 corridors between J.P. Nagar and Kempapura and Hosahalli and Kadabagere.
Under the plan, elevated stations will get half-height Platform Screen Doors, while underground stations will be fitted with full-height doors.
BMRCL has estimated ₹747 crore for procuring the doors, ₹317 crore for civil works and ₹210 crore for signalling, telecom and electrical modifications.
Officials said installing PSDs at stations currently under construction would be relatively easy. Retrofitting them at operational stations, however, will be more challenging and may require phased implementation.
Platform Screen Doors act as a protective barrier between passengers and the tracks. The doors remain closed until a train arrives and align with the train doors before opening. Metro systems across the world use the technology to improve passenger safety and prevent accidents on platforms.
