The Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) has directed Namma Metro to conduct a thorough investigation into the service disruption that occurred on June 23, which affected thousands of commuters in Bengaluru. The directive came after a review of the incident, which saw trains halted for several hours on the Purple Line.
20 Technical Faults Since January 2024
In a letter to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the CMRS listed 20 reported technical faults and service disruptions across the metro network since January 2024. The Purple Line accounted for the most incidents, raising concerns about the reliability of the system. The June 23 disruption was attributed to a signaling failure, causing delays and overcrowding at stations.
According to a BMRCL official, the corporation is cooperating fully with the investigation and has already formed an internal committee to identify the root cause. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and punctuality of our services,” the official said.
Impact on Commuters
The disruption on June 23 led to significant inconvenience for daily commuters, with many reporting delays of over two hours. Social media was flooded with complaints, and some passengers were forced to seek alternative transport. The CMRS has emphasized the need for immediate corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“The frequency of faults is unacceptable,” the CMRS stated in the directive. “Namma Metro must implement robust maintenance protocols and upgrade its signaling systems to ensure reliable service.”
BMRCL's Response
BMRCL has assured the public that it will address the CMRS’s concerns promptly. The corporation has announced a comprehensive audit of its technical infrastructure and plans to deploy additional maintenance teams. Passengers have been urged to report any issues through the official helpline.
“We understand the frustration of our commuters and are taking this matter very seriously,” a BMRCL spokesperson said. “The investigation will be completed within a month, and we will share the findings with the public.”
