Bangalore: The chaos of the majestic station in Nama City, as train frequency drops

Due to Ambedkar Jayanti, Namma Metro trains reportedly arrive every 8-10 minutes during peak hours, which is a significant drop in the usual 3-5 minute interval on April 14, 2025. Image source: Special arrangement

Namma Metro’s Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station witnessed the chaos on Monday (April 14, 2025) morning as commuters took office and those returning to the city after the weekend met with overcrowded platforms and delayed subway trains.

This damage is attributed to lower train frequency than usual due to the Ambedkar Jayanti holidays on government holidays. Trains are reported to arrive every 8-10 minutes during peak hours, a significant drop compared to the usual 3-5 minute interval. As hundreds of daily commuters rely on subways to get to work on time, the majestic platform quickly turned into a sea of ​​people with little or no space to move.

“I’m a subway commuter every day and I have some time to get to the office on time. It never changed, so I rely on the same time today,” said Sourav R., a commuter from Jalahalli to MG Road. “But, the time has come. The majestic waiting line is really long, and the next subway is 15 minutes later. I was late to the office, although I left home at the usual time.”

Commuter Rail for BMRCL

Many people entered social media to express their frustration, accusing Bengaluru Metro Corporation Limited (BMRCL) of failing to anticipate the haste. “BMRCL all thinks everyone has holidays, running at a 10-minute frequency during peak hours,” commuter Krishna wrote on X. Majestic days will have a trampling day, and only BMRCL will blame it. There is no queue, no rules, it’s the free rule today,” he added.

Another commuter, Prabha Sekhar, described the situation as “a huge crowding and chaos”, and there was no clear communication from the BMRCL authorities.

Even Bengaluru Central Councillor PC Mohan criticized the subway operators for their poor plans. He shared a video of a crowded station, where he posted on X: “Unacceptable mismanagement held at the majestic subway station this morning. During peak hours, lowering the train frequency to 10 minutes, assuming everyone has a holiday, creating absolute chaos.” He urged BMRCL to return to normal frequency immediately and ensure better planning during public holidays.

Yashwanth Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer, BMRCL, said, “Following the crowd build up at Majestic station on account of the general holiday today, BMRCL has operated four additional trains from Baiyappanahalli to Majestic to enhance public convenience. Additionally, one train was short terminated at Majestic and returned to ITPL. With this, a total of seven fresh trips originating from Majestic, Garudacharpalya and Whitefield. Also, this evening, the ITPL train will be in 5 minutes. ”