Days after the first six-coach train was introduced, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is planning to deploy more security personnel on Namma Metro platforms, as more such longer trains will be inducted to replace the existing three-car ones.
At present, each metro station has around four security guards, and busy stations, like Majestic, have more. However, officials maintain that at present, there is sufficient number of security staff during peak hours.
The BMRCL has been operating the three-coach trains ever since the commissioning of metro operations between Baiyappanahalli and M.G. Raod on October 20, 2011. On Friday, the six-coach train was inaugurated on the Purple Line.
Mahendra Jain, MD, BMRCL, said, “We have initiated the process of appointing more security personnel, and we will have them in place by the time the next few sets of six-coach trains are inducted.”
Security guards also act as guides for passengers, directing them to the right platform, and cautioning them when they cross the yellow line and get too close to the edge of the platform.
The newly introduced six-coach train made five round trips on Monday which included three round trips in the morning peak hour and two in the evening. In the morning, the train was operated as a loop train from Vijayanagar to Baiyappanahalli and one trip from Mysuru Road to Baiyappanhalli. In the evening peak hour, the train was operated on entire Purple Line from Mysuru Road to Baiyappanahlli. “On Monday, the train had 80% occupancy, and only the last coach had some space,” an official said.
Need for more trains
Smitha, who travelled in the six-coach metro train on Monday evening, said, “People were excited to travel in the longer train. I boarded the train at Central College to Magadi Road station, and train was running full. There is need to operate more trains to decongest the stations in the coming days, especially during peak hours.”
“Delighted to see that the six-coach train is a big hit with our people, especially the women. We operated it on short loops during peak hours and the train was full. Namma metro definitely needs more six-car trains and we will try to get them post haste, considering the overwhelming response to its success. Since it’s only one train has six cars, we encountered a few issues regarding signage and isolating the ladies’ coach so that men don’t get into it. We are confident that with our diligent staff and disciplined and understanding passengers, the issues will be ironed out soon,” Mr. Jain added.
