Metro mayhem averted: Bengaluru records highest-ever ridership amid RCB victory chaos

On Wednesday, June 5, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro narrowly avoided a potential disaster, thanks to the alertness of its security personnel and swift action by BMRCL authorities. As jubilant RCB fans flooded the city to celebrate the team’s historic IPL victory, Metro stations were packed to the brim, but a stampede-like tragedy was avoided by just a whisker.

Also Read:Bengaluru: RCB victory celebration saw metro ridership soaring to record 9.66 lakh

Major stations such as MG Road, Majestic, and Vidhana Soudha witnessed overwhelming crowds, with fans rushing to reach Chinnaswamy Stadium. Security staff at MG Road were alarmed when a commuter casually remarked, “This is just the sample sir, more are coming… we’re going for the free RCB celebration!” The fan also revealed that entry to the stadium was free, prompting even more crowd buildup.

Sensing the potential for chaos, Metro security escalated the situation to BMRCL immediately. Recognizing the gravity, BMRCL temporarily closed entry gates at overcrowded stations, managing footfall until the situation normalized. This emergency shutdown and reopening of gates helped regulate the influx and prevented a major stampede.

Despite the madness, Wednesday saw a record-breaking 9,66,732 Metro riders, the highest single-day ridership ever, surpassing the previous record of 9.20 lakh set on December 4, 2024.

• The Purple Line (Whitefield to Challaghatta) carried 4,78,334 passengers across 43.49 km.
• The Green Line (Madavara to Silk Institute) saw 2,84,674 riders on its 33.5 km stretch.
• The Majestic Interchange alone handled 2,03,724 passengers.