Plan to install screen doors at Namma Metro stations in limbo as suicide cases rise

BENGALURU: Namma Metro stations have become a hotspot for suicide attempts, with numerous cases reported in the last year. Though plans were chalked out to install screen doors to prevent such incidents, the project has been stalled due to technical issues and financial constraints.

The installation of screen doors, which would cost around Rs 10 crore per station, is a significant challenge for Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Additionally, the installation process would require halting Metro operations, which would be difficult to manage, especially during peak hours.

BMRCL officials cite technical difficulties, such as compatibility issues with existing infrastructure, as another major hurdle. While experts had recommended the installation of screen doors to prevent suicide attempts, the project’s implementation has been delayed indefinitely.

Bengaluru’s Metro Rail has become a hotspot for suicide attempts, unauthorised entry, accidental falls on tracks with numerous cases reported in the last year. Despite plans to install screen doors to prevent such incidents, the project has been stalled. Also, the installation of these doors requires more time and should be done after stopping the operation.

The officials opine that even if they work at night, there isn’t enough time. It would be difficult to manage operations, especially during peak hours. BMRCL officials say that installing screen doors at operational stations is challenging, and it is difficult to install themon the routes which are already operational.

Meanwhle, the number of suicide attempts at Metro stations is increasing. In the last year, the number of such incidents has doubled, and the citizne is alleging that BMRCL has failed to put a stop to it. Seven people have died due to suicide or accidental death at different metro stations:

Case 1
On January 1, 2024, a woman attempted to retrieve her mobile phone from the tracks at Indiranagar Metro Station and was saved due to the presence of mind of Metro staff, resulting in a 15-minute delay in peak hour train services.

Case 2
On January 5, 2024, a 23-year-old man attempted suicide by jumping on to the tracks at Jalahalli Metro Station, suffering burn injuries.

Case 3
On March 12, 2024, an unidentified person was spotted on the viaduct between Gnana Bharathi and Pattanagere Metro stations.

Case 4
On March 21, 2024, a 19-year-old youth died by suicide by jumping before a metro train at 2 pm at Attiguppe Metro station.

Case 5
On August 3, 2024, at Doddakallasandra Metro Station, a 35-year-old man died by suicide by jumping on to the tracks at 5.40 pm.

Case 6
On September 9, 2024, at Gnana Bharathi Metro station, a person attempted suicide by jumping on to the tracks at 2.13 pm.

Case 7
On January 20, 2025, a 49-year-old person attempted suicide at 10.26 am at Jalahalli Metro station.

On the screen door installation project, Yashwant Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer, BMRCL, said, “As we have already said, the major thing is the installation work should be done after stopping the operation at night. We are planning to invite tenders soon. We should take this up as a pilot project at two stations. There are so many technical and software issues involved in it. Moreover, this should not cause any inconvenience to the public”.