Bengaluru’s Purple Metro Line abruptly stopped operating after a 21-year-old pulled a practical joke. It ended up causing thousands of commuters significant disruptions. Hemant Kumar’s careless decision to activate the Emergency Trip System (ETS) at the MG Road station on Tuesday caused a 10-minute delay. This incident has left many shaking their heads.
21-Year-Old’s Prank Stops Bengaluru Metro
The ETS is a crucial safety feature in metro systems, designed to stop trains and cut off the electricity supply to the tracks. The purpose of this feature is to be utilised in emergencies, such as when someone accidentally falls onto the tracks. However, Kumar’s actions were far from an emergency. Reportedly, he admitted to pressing the button simply “for fun.”
Things started when Kumar got on a train that was coming from Trinity Station, according to the Times of India. This action caused an unanticipated delay for the passengers as the ETS stopped the train at MG Road station. The stopping of one train resulted in the interruption of metro services on the Purple Line and ultimately impacted the entire network. Within ten minutes, the delay was rectified and he resumed his journey, getting off at Cubbon Park station.
The metro staff utilised the CCTV footage to quickly identify Kumar and track him down. Upon his arrival at Cubbon Park station, he was approached by the metro staff, who questioned him about the incident. To everyone’s dismay, Kumar confessed that his actions were a misguided attempt at amusement.
Purple Line Disrupted For 10 Minutes
A staff member of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said that the regulation stipulates that if the ETS is activated without a valid reason, ₹5000 in fines will be assessed, as reported by the Times of India. However, he admitted that he didn’t have any money when he was asked to pay the fine. Consequently, his parents were contacted. They promptly arrived at the station to settle the fine and take their son home.
This incident highlights a troubling trend. Recently, there have been several cases of young individuals misusing metro safety features, including a 19-year-old law student who jumped onto the tracks at Attiguppe station in Bengaluru. Such incidents have fuelled calls for enhanced safety measures.
As Bengaluru’s metro system continues to grow and evolve, the need for stringent safety protocols and public awareness becomes increasingly evident. The reckless actions of one individual can disrupt the lives of many.
It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting safety systems designed to protect everyone.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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