Bengaluru: Repeated disruptions on Namma Metro have triggered demands for a comprehensive safety and maintenance audit of the network, amid growing concerns over its reliability.The latest disruption Tuesday evening, caused by a fault in the third-rail system at Cubbon Park station, forced Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) to suspend services on an underground section of the Purple Line, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak hours. While services were restored after overnight repair work, the incident has renewed scrutiny of Metro’s maintenance practices and operational preparedness.Citing media reports, Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya said nearly 20 service disruptions were reported across Metro’s operational corridors between Jan 2024 and June 2026. Purple Line, which serves some of the city’s busiest residential and employment hubs, including Whitefield IT corridor, has accounted for the highest number of incidents.Of the reported disruptions, 11 occurred on Purple Line alone, including Tuesday’s breakdown. Following the latest incident, Surya wrote to the commissioner of railway safety (southern range), urging the authority to take cognisance of the repeated disruptions and direct BMRCL to undertake a comprehensive safety and maintenance audit.In another letter to Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda, the MP pointed out that BMRCL’s operations and maintenance expenditure increased by 133% between 2017-18 and 2023-24, rising from Rs 262.94 crore to Rs 613 crore. At the same time, he noted that Namma Metro charges among the highest fares in the country. Surya said despite higher spending on maintenance and growing revenue collections, commuters continue to face repeated service interruptions that affect their daily travel plans.BMRCL refused to comment on Surya’s letters.Incidents reported between Jan 2024 & June 2026Train/technical faults: 10AFC/ticketing/NCMC issues: 3Signalling failures: 3Power & technical failures: 2Tracks & structural defects: 1Derailment: 1Fire & electrical incident: 1Breakdown by linesPurple Line: 11Yellow: 5Green: 3Source: Media reports
