Four escalators sanctioned in the 2009 Railway Budget at a cost of ₹3 crore were commissioned with fanfare at Bengaluru City railway station, but two of them were pulled out of service within hours after two elderly passengers fell while using them. Only three of the four planned escalators had even been installed at launch, with the fourth delayed to the following month.
On record
The official record states: "Railway officials said "the situation changed suddenly after two passengers fell down. The service was withdrawn considering safety," attributing the falls to passenger unfamiliarity rather than any acknowledged design or installation defect."
Filed as "Under repeat repair / withdrawn from service" and dated to 2010, this entry sits under the "₹3 crore for four escalators" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- A concourse redeveloped to a deadline nobody, in the end, observed.
- Platform sheds in a state the last inspection politely did not dwell on.
- An escalator whose direction of travel is best confirmed before stepping on.
- Hoarding for a 'world-class' upgrade, weathering at its own pace.
Sourcing
1 public source — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“The project has a mascot, a hashtag, and a stalled crane.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
Visitor reviews
“Detoured here after reading the file number online. The tea stall opposite does better business than the project ever did.”
“Brought out-of-town friends here before anywhere on the tourist map. Asked three officials about it and got three different answers.”
“Wandered over during a long layover in Bengaluru. A must-see if you appreciate a strong beginning.”
