The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is set to usher in a new era of passenger safety and operational efficiency by introducing Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) on its network, a feature currently absent from all of the city's operational metro stations.
The move marks a significant technological leap for Namma Metro, bringing it in line with safety standards seen in other major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Pink Line to Pioneer PSD Installation
The first corridor to benefit from this major safety upgrade will be the under-construction Pink Line (Kalena Agrahara–Nagawara). BMRCL has confirmed that full-height Platform Screen Doors will be installed at all 12 underground stations along this 21.26-km stretch.
- Mockup Installed: A full-scale prototype of the PSD system has already been installed at the MG Road station on the Pink Line for testing and authorization.
- Timeline: Once testing is complete, the installation across all 12 underground stations is expected to take approximately six months. The Pink Line itself is planned to open in two phases: the Kalena Agrahara–Tavarekere stretch by May 2026 and the Dairy Circle–Nagawara section by December 2026.
- Cost: The estimated cost for the installation of PSDs is around ₹9 crore per station.
Beyond Safety: The Benefits of PSDs
Platform Screen Doors are glass barriers that run along the platform edge and are synchronized to open only when a train has accurately stopped and its doors align with the PSDs. The benefits extend far beyond just preventing accidents:
- Enhanced Passenger Safety: The primary benefit is the prevention of accidental falls or deliberate intrusions onto the electrified metro tracks, an issue that has occasionally plagued the network.
- Climate Control: In underground stations, the doors help to compartmentalize the platform area, significantly limiting the exchange of air between the tunnels and the station. This separation leads to more efficient ventilation and cooling, thereby reducing energy consumption.
- Improved Operational Accuracy: The system works in tandem with the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, ensuring precise train stopping and higher operational reliability.
Expansion to Other Lines
While the Pink Line will be the first to feature this technology system-wide, BMRCL is also planning to retrofit PSDs at certain high-traffic stations on the existing lines:
- Purple Line: The busy interchange station Majestic (Nadaprabhu Kempegowda) and Central College stations are slated to receive PSDs.
- Blue Line: The Airport terminal station on the upcoming Blue Line (Phase 2B) will also be equipped with PSDs, while the Airport City station will receive Platform Screen Gates (half-height barriers).
This move by BMRCL signifies a strong commitment to modernizing the metro system and prioritizing the safety of its growing passenger base, solidifying Namma Metro’s position as a world-class mass transit network.
