Bangalore, 'maja maadi', courtesy Metro

Even as the police have expressed their inability to provide security at Metro stations after 11pm on December 31, Metro authorities are confident they are capable of handling the rush and have decided to go ahead with the 2am extension.

“We will double, and, if necessary, treble, the number of security guards at MG Road, Indiranagar as well as Baiyappanahalli stations, where we expect additional people,” said a spokesperson of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), adding that the security guards are trained to handle any situation that may come up at Metro stations.

When asked if the security apparatus at the Metro stations is sufficient to maintain law and order, N Sivasailam, MD, BMRCL, said he is not of the view that people who celebrate on MG Road would be drunk.

He said entry into the train is reserved for those who behave in a proper manner — that is, Follow all the rules of Namma Metro.”

In an announcement on its website, Namma Metro has requested commuters to maintain safety, discipline and orderliness, especially in queues to buy tickets, and to cooperate with the security guards at the station.

Even if drunk, commuters are required to be on their best behaviour while travelling in the Metro.

“We request passengers to behave well, both with the security at the stations as well as their co-passengers. No acts of vandalism will be tolerated,” said the spokesperson.