Women give thumbs up for exclusive entry doors

The earmarking of two doors of Namma Metro trains for women received a positive response from commuters on Monday with many urging the BMRCL officials to introduce six-car trains at the earliest.

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) Managing Director Mahendra Jain interacted with commuters on platforms at the MG Road and Kempegowda Metro Station to assess the arrangements.

"The arrangement has made it easier for us to board the train. But the problem of rush continues as those who get inside will have to stand in the packed cars. Only addition of coaches would help us," said Apeksha, who rode the train from the MG Road with Jain and other officials.

Jain said he was aware of the situation and assured the commuters that the six-car trains would roll within two months.

"We are trying to enhance the convenience of commuters within the existing infrastructure. The earmarking of doors would continue for another week. We will get their feedback and try to fine-tune the arrangement by March 1 when the system would be started formally," he said.

Men give thumbs up

Male commuters said reserving doors for women was a good idea which helps prevent unpleasant experiences for women.

"Getting inside the Metro trains during peak hours is not really easy considering the crowd. Commuters push or bump each other inadvertently during peak hours. It would be nice if official reserve an entire car for women," said Prashanth M.

The BMRCL officials said reserving two doors would prepare commuters for the next step.

"When the six-car trains come, people would be used to the idea of reservation of front car for women," BMRCL public relations officer U A Vasanth Rao said.

Kempegowda Metro Station, which sees a footfall of more than a lakh commuters every day, will finally have a walkway to easily access bus and railway stations from Tuesday. But the BBMP seems reluctant to clear the muck in the Majestic subway.

The new walkway, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday evening, will take commuters from the clean Metro station to the stinking subway, the centre of nefarious activities in the area, which has been occupied by hawkers.

"I have told the BBMP commissioner that the subway needs to be cleared and needs an urgent facelift. I will remind the officials regarding the urgency," said BMRCL Managing Director Mahendra Jain, who is also Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department.