Bengaluru: A technical malfunction on the Purple Line of Bengaluru’s Metro service led to significant delays and disrupted the morning commute for passengers on Thursday. The issue originated at Trinity Circle station and affected the entire stretch from Challaghatta to Whitefield.
According to an official from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the problem arose from a switchgear malfunction that prevented the doors of the metro coaches from opening, delaying the de-boarding process. “The issue was identified at 9:58 AM and took some time to resolve. After passengers were safely de-boarded, the faulty train was moved to a pocket track at Majestic interchange station,” the official elaborated. BMRCL claimed that normal services resumed by 11:30 AM. However, passengers reported continued disruptions even after the stated time. Many commuters found it difficult to board trains, and there were delays at various stations. A commuter expressed frustration, stating, “Disruptions in Metro services are becoming routine now. BMRCL should find a way to fix them. The train I took stopped for an unusually long time at each station. The information displayed on the platform screens was not clear about train arrivals or the reasons for delays.”
In response to the situation, BMRCL advised passengers at several stations to seek alternative modes of transportation. This led to a surge in demand for taxis and auto-rickshaws, further compounding the inconvenience for many commuters. The frequency of such incidents has raised concerns among regular metro users. They have called for better maintenance and quicker resolutions to technical issues to ensure smoother operations. The BMRCL is expected to review and improve its response strategies to minimize passenger inconvenience in future occurrences. The Purple Line is a critical artery in Bengaluru’s public transportation network, and disruptions have a ripple effect on the city’s daily commute. As the metro service continues to expand, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of operations remains paramount.
