Now, you can expect a Metro every two minutes during peak hours

Namma Metro will introduce short-loop service in peak hours to handle the rush, especially between Byappanahalli and Majestic in both directions, as opening of the entire Phase 1 has allowed seamless connectivity to tech firms in eastern Bengaluru.

Short-loop service typically involves running additional service from an intermediate station when there is a disruption in train service. However, since it will take at least six months for Metro trains to run with six cars, officials are running additional trains to clear the rush.

“We had to run trains every two minutes between 9 am and 10.30 am as the crowds on the platform did not reduce at the normal frequency. Running a train in two minutes was necessary to manage the crowds,” said N M Dhoke, director (Rolling Stock and Electrical) of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL).

With the opening of the entire North-South line allowing people to reach four different corners of Bengaluru in a short time, Namma Metro ridership is expected to touch the 5-lakh target within the next few days.

There were four additional trains during rush hour on Monday as well as Tuesday. When asked whether short-loop service will be a normal affair, Dhoke said, “Definitely. Ultimately, it depends on moving people from one place to another. We will take steps to make sure that it happens smoothly,” he said.

Monday, the first day that saw BMRCL operating trains from 5 am to 11.45 pm, saw a total ridership of 3.13 lakh with the Byappanahalli-Mysuru Road line carrying 1.92 lakh people while the Green Line accounted for 1.2 lakh.

Sources in BMRCL said their revenue for the first day crossed Rs 1.2 crore which is expected to cross Rs 1.5 crore next month. “Those who have already bought BMTC’s monthly bus pass will shift to Metro only after the end of the month. We expect the ridership to touch four lakh soon,” they added.

BMRCL managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola had noted that most of the engineers who travel from southern and northern Bengaluru to Baiyappanahalli for work will take the Metro. When asked about the limitations put by three-car trains, Kharola had said, “We have tried and tested short loop and it works. We may have to run short loop service to clear the rush.”
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