Bengaluru: The short loop metro train services between Byapanahalli and Majestic stations, introduced by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) earlier this year, have come under criticism from regular commuters. Many passengers argue that the service creates more problems than it solves, and have demanded that such services be extended to other stretches where peak-hour demand is higher.
Short loop service under scrutiny
BMRCL introduced short loop services in February 2024 to manage peak-hour congestion on the Purple Line. In June, the corporation reviewed the initiative and noted a rise in passenger numbers. However, there has been no further assessment since then.
According to commuters, while the service helps decongest Byapanahalli during rush hours, it creates a bottleneck at Majestic. Passengers travelling beyond Majestic find themselves stranded, as the subsequent trains are often already full.
“The short loop service is good to carry the extra rush of passengers from Byapanahalli, but deboarding everyone at Majestic and continuing back is not feasible. The next train at Majestic is already full, and those who deboard cannot be accommodated,” said Sumalatha L, a commuter.
Commuters share their struggles
Several passengers recounted difficulties caused by the arrangement. Somesh P, a corporate employee, highlighted the impact on his daily commute.
“There are many times when I am running late and still unable to board the train from Majestic as the next one is full. The security staff stop us from entering overcrowded trains. The BMRCL should also run short loop trains from Majestic to Challaghatta. The same service should be extended to the Green Line and upcoming corridors,” he said.
Others criticised the BMRCL for limiting the experiment to one stretch of the Purple Line. “I don’t understand how BMRCL thinks peak-hour rush is just on one route. They need to conduct a proper study across all lines. Revenues and hiking ticket rates is not the only task; passenger convenience should be the priority,” said Shobhana R, a software professional.
BMRCL defends current approach
Responding to the criticism, BMRCL’s communications team confirmed that short loop services currently run only between Byapanahalli and Majestic. They emphasised that any decision to extend services depends on operational feasibility and financial considerations.
“At present, we do not see enough rise in passenger volume across other routes to justify more short loop services. The decision will depend on demand and operational requirements,” a spokesperson said.
Conclusion
While BMRCL views the short loop as a measure to ease congestion on the Purple Line, commuters continue to express frustration over its limited scope. Many argue that expanding the service to longer stretches and additional lines would make it more practical. Unless further studies are undertaken to reassess travel patterns, the short loop experiment may remain a partial solution to Bengaluru’s growing metro rush-hour woes.