Bengaluru: "Do not whistle," security guards ordered
No, do not get misled by the headline. This is actually a directive issued by the Namma Metro authorities for security guards who control crowd at platforms. Metro officials are of the opinion that people now follow the rules. It has been a gradual change that has made crowd management easier in recent times. So, it is best to do away with the whistles.
Why did the whistles go?
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. officials said initially when people were not aware of the system, the whistles were needed. "But over time, people have understood them. A majority of the travellers are regulars who take the train and use the same stations almost every day," said an official, adding that commuters found the whistles 'irritating'. The guards, however, are missing their 'friend' already.
'Sound of whistle enough to alert someone'
The guards feel the sound made by a whistle was enough to get someone's attention. "Now, we have to yell loud enough to surpass other noises to be heard and understood," said one of the guards posted on the Purple Line. "The sound of a whistle works better than someone telling children to stay away from the yellow line," said a regular commuter.
