Bengaluru: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has proposed installing platform screen doors (PSDs) at 177 existing and upcoming Metro stations across Bengaluru as part of a major passenger safety initiative. The project, estimated to cost ₹1,274 crore, aims to reduce accidents, improve crowd management and enhance commuter safety as the Metro network continues to expand.
The proposal has been included in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Phase 3A Hebbal–Sarjapur corridor, which covers a total of 191 stations.
177 stations to get safety upgrade
According to the proposal, provisions for platform screen doors have already been made at 14 stations, including 12 underground stations on the Pink Line and two stations on the Airport Line.
The remaining 177 stations across the Metro network will be equipped with the safety doors under the proposed project.
Move aims to prevent accidents and improve safety
BMRCL’s proposal comes amid an increase in track-related incidents over the past two years, including unauthorised track access, accidental falls and suicides.
Platform screen doors create a physical barrier between commuters and the tracks, opening only after a train has come to a complete stop and aligned correctly with the platform. The system is expected to significantly reduce accidental falls, prevent objects from landing on the tracks and minimise disruptions caused by emergency incidents.
The doors are also expected to deter trespassing and suicide attempts by restricting direct access to the railway tracks.
Better crowd management during peak hours
Apart from enhancing safety, the platform screen doors are expected to improve passenger movement during rush hours by encouraging orderly boarding and alighting.
The proposal forms part of BMRCL’s long-term strategy to strengthen commuter safety as Bengaluru Metro continues its rapid expansion. More details regarding the implementation timeline are expected once the proposal receives the necessary approvals.