Bengaluru: Within a month, Namma Metro services have been disrupted three times, with heavy rain and gusty winds twice halting operations on parts of the network.In the latest incident on Tuesday, commuters were stranded for nearly 30 minutes after a tree branch fell on the track between ITPB and Sathya Sai Hospital stations, forcing a suspension of services between Whitefield and Garudacharpalya.The disruption affected passengers across 10 stations on the busy Whitefield corridor during peak evening hours. It also left commuters questioning why Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had not taken preventive measures, such as pruning tree branches that are very close to the elevated tracks.BMRCL officials said there are around 890 trees located close to the elevated viaducts on the Challaghatta–Whitefield and Silk Institute–Madavara corridors. Of these, 100-odd ones stand within just 10 metres of the tracks. Officials maintained that periodic pruning is being carried out considering the operational risks posed by the trees during heavy rain and strong winds.On the Purple Line, 523 trees are located close to the viaduct, of which 35 are located within 10 metres, while 370 trees are located on the Green Line, and 71 within 10 metres. Officials claimed that on the elevated section of the Yellow Line from RV Road to Bommasandra, trees do not pose operational risks.A BMRCL official said pruning of trees located close to Metro viaducts is carried out periodically, especially ahead of monsoon, to prevent branches from falling onto the tracks during heavy rain and high wind conditions.“On May 27, a small tree log fell on the track between ITPB and Sathya Sai Hospital stations on the Purple Line. As per standard operating protocol, train services on the affected stretch were temporarily suspended till the obstruction was removed and track safety inspections were completed,” the official said.A senior official of BMRCL said Namma Metro operates on a 750-volt DC third-rail traction system, in which electrical energy is supplied to trains. “Any foreign object on the track cannot be ignored. If it comes in contact with the train or the third-rail power supply system, it can lead to operational and safety risks. To avoid major disruptions, services are halted immediately and resumed only after inspections are completed,” the official added.During thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusty winds, the Operational Control Centre (OCC), in accordance with the established standard operating procedure, directs loco pilots to reduce train speeds on elevated sections as a precautionary safety measure.On May 21, because of heavy rain and gusty winds, train services were delayed on all stretches. On that day, metal sheets from nearby structures were blown onto the tracks, resulting in disruption of services.The official added that daily inspections of the 750V DC third-rail traction system, including fittings and related components, are carried out to ensure safe operations. He said automated pumps installed in underground sections drain out rainwater and prevent water accumulation, helping ensure uninterrupted operations during heavy rain.
