Bengaluru: Metro guard falls onto tracks, rescued in time
A Bengaluru Metro security guard narrowly escaped a serious accident on Monday after falling onto the electrified tracks at Ragigudda station on the newly launched Yellow Line. The incident occurred around 11.10 am, raising fresh concerns over staff safety and working conditions at Namma Metro stations.
Incident and quick response
According to officials from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the 52-year-old guard slipped and fell from platform number 2 while on duty. The accident could have been fatal as he landed directly on the electrified track.
Fortunately, a colleague stationed on platform number 1 immediately activated the Emergency Trip Switch (ETS), cutting off power to the tracks. Meanwhile, a passenger rushed to help pull the guard back to the platform.
“An incoming train was halted, and services were briefly disrupted for about six minutes as a safety measure. The security guard did not suffer any injuries and is safe,” a BMRCL official told The Hindu.
Disruption and safety concerns
The brief suspension of train services highlighted the vulnerabilities of metro staff working in high-risk environments. Commuters expressed relief at the timely response but also raised questions about existing safety measures.
Following the incident, the guard was relieved from duty for medical evaluation and rest. An internal inquiry was launched to determine how he had been deployed for such long duty hours. Officials confirmed that he had worked nearly 16 hours with only a short rest break before reporting back for duty. The station manager has also been questioned as part of the probe.
BMRCL’s corrective measures
In light of this incident, BMRCL has stepped up safety upgrades across stations on the Yellow Line, a 19.143-km elevated corridor connecting RV Road in Jayanagar to Bommasandra via Electronic City.
On August 20, safety barricades were installed at the RV Road interchange station to prevent accidental falls. RV Road became the second metro station after Majestic to be equipped with these protective railings. Officials said similar measures will be gradually expanded across other high-footfall stations.
Conclusion
The near-miss at Ragigudda has renewed focus on staff well-being, duty hours, and passenger safety in Bengaluru’s metro network. While the quick response averted a tragedy, experts stress that preventive measures, adequate staffing, and better safety infrastructure must be prioritised to avoid such accidents in the future.