Bengaluru: Travelling by Namma Metro is very hard on senior citizens, especially during peak hours, when they are forced to stand in the stations for extended periods of time as they wait for a train. Although BMRCL has installed a few seats at many stations, but after the introduction of six-car trains, the number of passengers travelling per train has increased manifold. Keeping that in mind, the number of available seats is no longer adequate and the waiting period has also increased.
“Commuters asked for six-car trains to ensure smooth movement but what is the point if the frequency of trains has reduced. In other cities, the metro train timings are regular and uniform,” says Ranjeeth BL, a regular metro commuter. Another complaint is that trains are frequent during peak hours but during non peak hours, the wait-time increases to up to 15 minutes and commuters are forced to stand and wait. “We have seen commuters sit on the floor at many stations, waiting for trains. Now, I can go from Majestic to Yelachenahalli in half an hour, but what’s the point if I have to wait 15 minutes for a train there,” asks Apoorva, another commuter. BMRCL presently deploys 16 trains to run an average of 130 round trips (Byappanahalli to Mysuru Road and return) daily on the Purple Line. The Green Line (Nagasandra and Yelachenahalli) has only one six-car train that makes seven round trips a day.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, BMRCL senior official says "We are constantly trying to improve the facilities provided to commuters. There are limits to providing seating arrangements in Metro stations. Also, the frequency of trains running from Baiyappanahalli to Mysuru Road is five minutes currently. Due to the increase in passenger occupancy in six-car trains, we have stopped running short loop trains between Kempe Gowda and Baiyappanahalli. Also, the waiting period is only 10 minutes, likely to increase by another five if there is a technical issue.”
According to the BMRCL reports, a six-car train can accommodate a maximum of 2,004 passengers, the ridership per trip averages 1,760 passengers presently. During peak hours, the train is fully packed but the occupancy reduces during non-peak hours.
